Jockey Michael Dee is expecting the vast open spaces of Flemington to suit his mount in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes.
Dee partners New Zealand gelding Aegon on Saturday in the 1600m weight-for-age contest after partnering the gelding in his two runs this campaign.
After a pleasing first-up third in the Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on August 19, Aegon disappointed Dee with his performance when ninth in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes behind Mr Brightside at that course and distance on September 2.
The only thing Dee can put the run down to was Aegon being second-up.
“He ran so well first-up and maybe that took a bit out of him,” Dee said.
“And I think at Flemington he will be better on the bigger track.
“Around Caulfield and Moonee Valley, he crabs around the track a little bit, so hopefully he can balance up in the straight and show that good turn of foot that he’s got.”
Dee said trainer Andrew Forsman had a change of heart after Aegon ran home strongly to finish third first-up in the P B Lawrence.
Originally last week’s Group 2 Feehan Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley was considered, but Forsman thought Saturday’s Makybe Diva would fit better heading to the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on October 7.
Saturday’s field has just seven runners.
“It’s a small field, but it’s a hot field, and you could make a case for every horse in that race,” Dee said.
“Alligator Blood and Mr Brightside are good hopes, naturally, and Spanish Mission is coming back fresh after a break.
“Then there are three Chris Waller horses who are all capable of winning.
“In that P B Lawrence, he nearly beat home Pinstriped that went and won the Feehan last week and Mr Brightside backed it up, so the ability is there, it’s just whether everything falls into place for him.
“Hopefully the mile is what he’s looking for now.”
