Australia’s best sprinters will square off with Hong Kong star Lucky Nine in Melbourne following the closure of nominations today for the two $1 million sprints over the Spring Racing Carnival.

The Sportingbet Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Friday night, 25 October and the Patinack Farm Classic (1200m) at Flemington on Saturday, 9 November have attracted 43 and 60 entries respectively.

Click here to view the full entries for the 2013 Sportingbet Manikato Stakes. 

Click here to view the full entries for the 2013 Patinack Farm Classic.

Five-time Group 1 winner Lucky Nine, who arrived in Melbourne today, is among 40 horses entered for both races with a 33% increase in prizemoney for the Manikato Stakes this year further strengthening the feature double.

The Jason Warren-trained Bel Sprinter, who finished runner-up to Lucky Nine in Singapore’s Group 1 KrisFlyer International Sprint in May, heads the Victorian entries in what shapes as a tantalising rematch.

Newmarket Handicap winner Shamexpress, who jets in from an unsuccessful UK raid this Saturday, Moment Of Change, Linton, Samaready and Platelet are other Victorian-trained Group 1 winners in the entries for both races.

Epsom Handicap winner Fat Al, a new addition to the Peter Moody stable, strengthens the local entries, whilst David Hayes-trained three-year-olds Fast N Rocking and Gregers add an intriguing dimension.

Another three-year-old, Sydney’s Golden Rose winner Zoustar, is among the entries for both races, despite connections also paying the second acceptance for today’s BECK Caulfield Guineas (1600m), to be run at Caulfield on 12 October.

Darley’s Doomben 10,000 winner Epaulette, Queensland hero Buffering and compatriot Better Than Ready and smart Sydney mare Snitzerland headline the interstate contingent entered for both races.

The three horses entered for the Manikato Stakes only are gallant veteran Pinwheel, Hidden Warrior and It Is Written, while three-year-olds Villa Verde, Eclair Big Bang, Hucklebuck, Safeguard and Sidestep are among those nominated for the Patinack Classic only.

Moody, who trained Black Caviar to win the 2010 and 2011 Patinack Farm Classics, has Lidari, Officer Bearer, Ready To Rip and Floria nominated for that race only.

First acceptances for the Manikato Stakes will be taken on Tuesday, 8 October, with first acceptances closing a fortnight later for the Patinack Classic.