Makybe Diva Stakes | WishTips

Makybe Diva Stakes 2023

Distance: 1600m | Conditions: WFA| Rail Position: True | Track Condition: Good 4

We’re back at HQ this Saturday for the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington. Headlined by gun miler Mr Brightside, his dominance has turned this into a tough betting race, but with plenty of quality around him, let’s try and find the winner.

Speed Map

Certainly isn’t going to be an F1 race here but will require a very tactical ride to win considering Brightside’s versatility. Looks pretty simple, Alligator Blood will roll forward from the middle stall and get things on his own terms. Princess Grace won’t be able to nestle away on the fence like she’s done her last two, but should settle just in behind, alongside Mr Brightside who’ll get the gun run. Ospienko can also sit a little closer to the speed being drawn underneath too, with Aegon keeping Francesco Guardi company at the tail.

Key Runners

1:Mr Brightside (2)

What a star. Is 2/2 this campaign, the most recent being his Memsie win where he was three wide no cover and just kept finding despite pressure from the likes of I Wish I Win and Princess Grace. He’s hard fit, a gun miler and in as good a form you’d find. Does he just win?

2: Alligator Blood (4)

Solid effort first-up in the Memsie. Was famously pipped on the line by I’m Thunderstuck in this race last year, where he got to the lead and looked as though he was going to kick away from them. Will get to the front with ease and dictate again, has a gun second-up record and will strip fitter. Big threat.

3: Spanish Mission (6)

First time back after a 12-month lay off due to injury. Good horse on his day and trialling well but happy to watch him go round.

4: Aegon (5)

Quality Kiwi who kicked off the campaign with a ripper in the PB Lawrence, but failed to press on with it by delivering a relatively plain run in the Memsie. Didn’t have too many excuses so hard to know what he’ll produce here. Happy to leave out.

5: Francesco Guardi (3)

Good hit out in the Winx Stakes first-up and is building towards a nice campaign as he gets out to a trip. Won’t be winning this though.

6: Osipenko (1)

Ticking over nicely. Got a pass mark in the Winx Stakes and then really started to get into his work late in the Memsie, suggesting he’s ready for the 1600m now. Talented colt and has had market support. Lots of ticks.

7: Princess Grace (7)

Outstanding prep so far and both times in has ran into genuine superstars to be denied honours. While both runs have been relatively economical, she was in the worse part of the track, and also had to find her way around a fading Annavisto in the Memsie. You can almost make a case she beats Mr Brightside if she got clear running, but she’ll have no excuses Saturday. Big knockout chance.

Betting Strategy

Mr Brightside clearly the pick but need a better price. Will side with Princess Grace.

2 units Princess Grace at $4.60

WHAT A SUPERSTAR! 💚
MR BRIGHTSIDE WINS THE 2023 MEMSIE STAKES!@lindsayparkrace @CWilliamsJockey pic.twitter.com/DDsl90m98M
— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) September 2, 2023