A small but elite field has been assembled for the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) this Saturday at Flemington, where Via Sistina and Aeliana renew their rivalry.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2025 Makybe Diva Stakes.
2025 Makybe Diva Stakes Runner Preview:
1. Mr Brightside: Mr Brightside is an absolute beauty. Some had the jury out on him after his jumpout but he ran a beauty in the Memsie, chasing as well as ever in the straight but was clearly no match for Treasurethe Moment. Proven performer in this race, he appeals.
2. Tom Kitten: Bit of the tinkering with the barriers to try and get him to jump clean because he was awful when the gates opened in a Mornington jumpout. Proven big time track/distance performer and his best is clearly good enough to measure up and run a positive race.
3. Antino: I think the first 200m-400m will be fascinating with this guy. What does Shinn do? Give him a dig and land on speed? I think that is his best chance to win because I can’t see him sitting near Via Sistina/Aeliana and winning.
4. Mark Twain: On a path towards longer races. He and the ambulance will have a good match race.
5. Via Sistina: Via Sistina is here and means business. She resumed with a bang in the Winx Stakes, getting a 12/10 ride by J Mac by cutting the corner and was strong to the line in fending off Aeliana. She’s a star, a champion, she’ll look the winner I am sure…just prefer to be with Aeliana.
6. Aeliana: Aeliana is three weeks between runs for Chris Waller since resuming in the Winx Stakes where she ran out of her skin, closing with real purpose late in the piece when a narrow second to Via Sistina. Fitter, up in trip, firmer footing, she’ll take a power of beating despite the champion mare being here.
2025 Makybe Diva Stakes $100 Betting Strategy:
$80 Win Aeliana @ $4.2, $20 Win Top Fluc
Group 1 Strategy Outlay: $300
Group 1 Strategy Return: $365
Makybe Diva Stakes Field
| No | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MR BRIGHTSIDE (NZ) | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | Craig Williams | 1 | 59kg |
| 2 | TOM KITTEN | Anthony & Sam Freedman | Ben Melham | 6 | 59kg |
| 3 | ANTINO (NZ) | Tony Gollan | Blake Shinn | 4 | 59kg |
| 4 | MARK TWAIN (NZ) | Roger James & Robert Wellwood | Jamie Mott | 3 | 59kg |
| 5 | VIA SISTINA (IRE) | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 2 | 57kg |
| 6 | AELIANA (NZ) | Chris Waller | Damian Lane | 5 | 56.5kg |
Makybe Diva Stakes Odds
2025 Makybe Diva Stakes Speed Map
Fascinating speed map. On paper, Mr Brightsde could well lead for fun. But, does Shinn give Antino a dig in the ribs and go forward? Aeliana can settle handy and maybe wants to be in front of Via Sistina in the run. Fascinating first 200m-400m on the cards.
