Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes: Full pro preview & best bet

The Makybe Diva Stakes is a Group 1 weight-for-age race held early in the Spring Carnival, with the 2022 edition run at Flemington on Saturday, September 10th.

First run in 1948, the race was originally known as the Craiglee Stakes. Wilfred Henry Johnston was Chairman of the VRC stewards panel from 1924 to 1945, and the race was named after his property in Sunbury: Craiglee.

Originally run over 2000 metres, or one-and-a-quarter miles, the race was shortened to the mile distance in 1965.

In 2007, the race was renamed in honour of champion mare Makybe Diva. Makybe Diva is the only horse to win Australia’s greatest race, the Melbourne Cup, on three occasions – she achieved this is 2003, 2004 and 2005. It was therefore fitting that she have a major race at Flemington named after her, though she never actually won this particular race.

The race was updated to Group 1 status in 2013. It’s a key lead-up race for Spring Carnival majors such as the Cox Plate, Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup, and therefore attracts a quality field of big names.

Makybe Diva Stakes 2022: Trevor Lawson’s preview

Track There’s a little bit of rain predicted before Saturday. It was released as a Soft 5 early and with the good drainage, it will probably remain around that. A Good 4 at best and a Soft 6 at worst.

Speed Once again we have a small field for a feature race and there is absolutely no speed on paper here. Alligator Blood probably leads by default, and then it’s a bit of a raffle. Nonconformist or Cascadian could well go forward. I’m Thunderstruck will sit behind them. The tempo won’t be quick.

Runner-by-runner

Prices courtesy of TopSport at time of publication.

1 I’m Thunderstruck [$2.25] was unlucky last start in the Memsie. He can box seat here in the small field. He’s the one to beat if he gets a clear run in the straight.

4 Alligator Blood [$4.80] didn’t have much luck when resuming at Caulfield in the Memsie. He’s better suited here. He looks to be the only leader in the race.

2 Cascadian [$6.50] worked home nicely first-up in the Memsie. He can improve here second-up. He possibly could roll forward in the small field.

Six of the eight horses in this weekend’s PFD Food Services Makybe Diva Stakes will be looking to add another Group 1 to their tally. Will it be one of them or another horse searching for that elusive Group 1? pic.twitter.com/z2BDSsxkI2

— Victoria Racing Club (@FlemingtonVRC) September 8, 2022

7 Western Empire [$6.50] was disappointing first-up in the Memsie when well found in the market. His career-best figure was second-up at this distance last spring, but I think he could need one more run to reach a peak.

5 Mo’unga [$10] was well beaten first-up in the Winx Stakes, but had excuses. He ran well at this track and distance last spring. He has a chance, but I would want a better price to back him.

3 Regal Power [$17] was okay first-up in the PB Lawrence. He strips fitter here. I would prefer him with another run or two under the belt.

6 Nonconformist [$34] was just fair first-up in the Memsie. I would think he’d need another run.

8 She’s Ideel [$34] is having her first start for Maher / Eustace stable. She has run well fresh in previous preps, but I would prefer to see her first before backing her.

Betting strategy

Best Bet I’m Thunderstruck

He’s certainly the horse to beat for mine and is my best bet of the day at Caulfield. He ran a close second in the Memsie after having no luck at all and can box seat here. I don’t see him getting beaten if he gets a decent run.