It was a small but select field for the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday, but it was an absolute belter of a finish, with I’m Thunderstruck getting the verdict over Alligator Blood in a brilliant edition of the Group l.
Read on for the 2022 Makybe Diva Stakes Post Race Horse Ratings.
2022 Makybe Diva Stakes Replay
2022 Makybe Diva Stakes Post Race Horse Ratings
1: I’m Thunderstruck: He had no right to win. Got checked early and was forced to sit a pair further back. Got badly held up and looked gone but he cut back inside and produced an unbelievable finale to win. What a statement for the Cox Plate.
Rating: 9/10
2: Alligator Blood: The ride was an absolute peach from Tim Clark. He got absolute control and gave the horse every chance to run out the mile. Looked the winner, was the winner, but was nabbed on the peg. Mighty effort and he’s right on track.
Rating: 8/10
3: Mo’Unga: The ride from Kah was very good. Rode positive and was there to win. Just not suited by the sit/sprint but I really liked the way he kept. Dry track next time, he can win.
Rating: 7/10
4: Cascadian: Race shape was against him but he finished off more than soundly for a horse that gets much better as the prep goes on. I wouldn’t dismiss him off that and he’s still on track for the Spring.
Rating: 7/10
5: Western Empire: He had the sit behind Alligator Blood and presented to do something. He was plain late, but I am putting it down to riding him warm and the wet tracks. Ridden with patience and on a firm deck, I will give him another chance. Not penning him…yet.
Rating: 4/10
6: Regal Power: He’s a 2000m+ so the sit/sprint was never to his liking. He came off the bit early and just whacked away late. I’d want to see again with a rise in trip before putting the line through him.
Rating: 3/10
7: Nonconformist: They rode with intent which was a good sign, but he just didn’t have the change up speed to go with them. Still, a pretty weak finale so jury is out.
Rating: 3/10
8: She’s Ideel: Stayer that was resuming. Flopped out the back and was never a factor. Wasn’t expected to do much and she ran accordingly. I’d need to see her again before penning her.
Rating: 2/10
