Gai Waterhouse has begun her quest for a third successive Golden Slipper victory next year paying up for 89 juveniles at the first acceptance stage.

Waterhouse has won the past two Slippers with Overreach and Pierro and has already made her presence felt in the early season two-year-old races winning the Breeders' Plate with Law.

Darley also has a large early hand with 79 first acceptors, as do top Victorian trainers David Hayes (58) and Peter Moody (53).

Chris Waller, premier trainer in Sydney for the past three seasons but better known for his team of older horses than his two-year-olds, has paid up for 37 youngsters, one more than fellow Rosehill trainer Gerald Ryan.

All up the Australian Turf Club has received more than 1000 first acceptors for the $3.5 million race which will be held at Rosehill on April 5.