Flemington will stage its first Group 1 of the spring on Saturday with the running of the Makybe Diva Stakes over 1600 metres.
Star miler Mr Brightside headlines the field as he bids for a third consecutive win in the race, with the Lindsay Park-trained champion set to clash with a select line-up that may attract fewer than 10 starters.
Chris Waller is yet to finalise his hand, with Fangirl and Aeliana both possible runners after last year’s Cox Plate winner Via Sistina was confirmed to run in Sydney’s 7 Stakes instead. Mark Zahra is on standby to partner whichever mare heads south.
Treasurethemoment will spearhead Yulong’s assault, while colt Vinrock tackles the Exford Plate on the same card. Godolphin’s Tom Kitten is also expected to resume after a late scratching in the Memsie.
Other likely acceptors include Antino, Deakin, Kingswood and Alenquer, adding depth to the $1 million feature.
Likely Field for the Makybe Diva Stakes
| No. | Horse | Trainer | Jockey |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Antino | T Gollan | B Shinn |
| 2 | Mr Brightside | B, W & JD Hayes | C Williams |
| 3 | Alenquer | B, W & JD Hayes | |
| 4 | Deakin | P Stokes | |
| 5 | Kingswood | G Bedggood | J Allen |
| 6 | Tom Kitten | A & S Freedman | B Melham |
| 7 | Fangirl | C Waller | |
| 8 | Aeliana | C Waller | |
| 9 | Treasurethemoment | M Laurie | D Lane |
