The stage is set for a thrilling clash in the 2024 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington this Saturday. A compact but high-quality field of eight horses will vie for the prestigious Group 1 title, marking the first of the Melbourne Spring Carnival‘s elite mile races.
Winx Stakes winner Via Sistina is favourite to salute again this time in Flemington’s 2024 Makybe Diva Stakes. Photo: Steve Hart.
Leading the charge is the Chris Waller-trained Via Sistina, currently the favourite at $2.10 with Ladbrokes. The imported mare arrives in top form, fresh off a narrow but convincing win in Sydney’s Winx Stakes. This will be her Melbourne debut, and with James McDonald in the saddle and the inside barrier (1), she’s poised to relish the step up to 1600 meters.
However, Via Sistina will face stiff competition. Last year’s champion, Mr Brightside, is back to defend his title and become the first back-to-back winner since Sailor’s Guide in 1956-57. Trained by Team Hayes, Mr Brightside comes into the race with jockey Craig Williams aboard, hoping to secure his fifth Makybe Diva title in two decades. His recent second-place finish in the Memsie Stakes proves he’s in good form.
Ciaron Maher‘s Pride Of Jenni, who dominated the Queen Elizabeth Stakes in the autumn, will also be a contender. Despite a disappointing first-up performance, she can’t be ignored, especially with a better showing expected from barrier seven. Her odds are currently set at $6.
Pinstriped, the surprise winner of the Memsie Stakes, shouldn’t be overlooked either. Trained by now Group 1 winning horseman Enver Jusufovic, he seeks to become the second horse in a row to complete the Memsie Stakes – Makybe Diva Stakes double, after Mr Brightside’s feat last year. His current odds stand at $8.
The 2024 Makybe Diva Stakes promises an exciting battle between established champions and rising stars. The race is scheduled for 4:20 PM AEST on Saturday as Race 8 of Flemington’s 10-race card. Be sure to tune in and witness the first major test of the Melbourne Spring Carnival!
2024 Makybe Diva Stakes Field
| No | Last 10 | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight | Probable Weight | Penalty | Hcp Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22x11253x2 | MR BRIGHTSIDE (NZ) | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | Craig Williams | 4 | 59kg | 118 | ||
| 2 | 21500x0x21 | PINSTRIPED | Enver Jusufovic | Ben Allen | 8 | 59kg | 112 | ||
| 3 | 2343x4411x | CIRCLE OF FIRE (GB) | Ciaron Maher | Mark Zahra | 2 | 59kg | 108 | ||
| 4 | 1220x160x4 | ANTINO (NZ) | Tony Gollan | Blake Shinn | 6 | 59kg | 108 | ||
| 5 | 116x62521x | WARMONGER (NZ) | Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | Michael Dee | 3 | 58.5kg | 106 | ||
| 6 | 611x2121x5 | PRIDE OF JENNI | Ciaron Maher | Declan Bates | 7 | 57kg | 122 | ||
| 7 | 021x8132x9 | ATISHU (NZ) | Chris Waller | Damian Lane | 5 | 57kg | 114 | ||
| 8 | 132x2x12x1 | VIA SISTINA (IRE) | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 1 | 57kg | 118 |
Table Credit: Racing Australia.
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