The jockey shortage threatening this weekend's races in Tasmania highlights the need for increased protection for the country's riders, the Australian Jockeys' Association (AJA) said today.

The state's racing authorities have been forced to send out an urgent SOS to available interstate riders to fill vacancies for Sunday's Hobart meeting.

Trainer Kevin Moses is confident Rhyno Chaser will take his place in the Caulfield Guineas on Saturday.

Rhyno Chaser, who is a $26 chance with TAB Sportsbet, drew barrier 17 for the Group One race but is a doubtful starter because of a hoof injury.

First declarations for the 2009 Golden Slipper close today with only those horses among the original 2,187 entries eligible to accept.

The $3.5 million feature is the world's richest race for two-year-olds with yesterday's racing at Randwick and Flemington showcasing the first juvenile stakes races.

Trainer Mark Kavanagh will spend this week trying to re-ignite the spring form of Maldivian.

Maldivian has been unplaced three times since resuming with a placing behind Light Fantastic and Weekend Hussler in the Liston Stakes, finishing further away from the winner each time.

Trainer Ross McDonald is likely to have further decisions to make on the immediate spring future of fallen champion Weekend Hussler.

Beaten out of a place in the Turnbull Stakes on Saturday, Weekend Hussler is now almost certain to be promoted to Caulfield Cup topweight.

Zarkava produced one of the greatest performances in racing history at Longchamp as she became the first winner to come from stall one since Prince Royale II in 1964 to win the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.