Group l racing returns to Flemington this Saturday, with the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) shaping up to be a beauty.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2024 Makybe Diva Stakes.
2024 Makybe Diva Stakes Speed Map
Looks pretty straight forward here with Pride Of Jenni, who should lead comfortably, but by how far? Not too sure, especially with Via Sistina drawn inside and J Mac has already said if she is able to take up a forward spot, he won’t stop her. Mr Brightside won’t be far away as always and it will be interesting whether Antino can jump clean. If so, he’ll be in the first few.
2024 Makybe Diva Stakes Runner Preview:
1. Mr Brightside: Interesting that there are a host of gear changes for him after the first up run in the Memsie, where he looked the winner but was nabbed by Pinstriped. He won the race last year, he maps to stalk again. The query is how much start he concedes Pride Of Jenni and whether she can chase her down IF she brings her best. For mine, he’s too short.
2. Pinstriped: He got the Memsie win, but he was kissed on the date IMO with an absolute peach ride/run in transit and finished best with the race fitness on his side. He hasn’t got the upside like the others have got so I am keen to oppose him.
3. Circle Of Fire: He has eyes on the Cups, mainly the Melbournre Cup. Not here to play I say.
4. Antino: You’ll know your fate with Antino after 100m. If he jumps clean, he’ll settle forward, get a good trailing spot and we know in the past that this horse clicks with B Shinn. I am not saying he wins. But I am not going to dismiss him.
5. Warmonger: Warmonger looks like he has the grounding to run a super race fresh. He resumes for Price/Kent, having not raced since that unbelievable win in the QLD Derby where he was wide no cover throughout yet won by ten lengths and his late splits were some of the best of the meeting. Incredible win. Trial win was impressive and the jumpout last week saw him close off with purpose in a fast run trial, so for mine, he’s got the fitness base to run a beauty.
6. Pride Of Jenni: Forgive a star for one bad run and you have to do that with Pride Of Jenni. She was too bad to be true in the Memsie, but she didn’t pull up 100% the 24-48 hours afterwards, and keep in mind she has never really been a fresh horse. She returns to Flemington, she’ll lead for fun and give an almighty sight.
7. Atishu: She does save her best for Flemington and I thought she did more than enough in the Winx Stakes. She will eat up a truly run mile and we know that at her best, especially on a dry deck, she is so lethal. I think she is definite value here.
8. Via Sistina: Via Sistina is the hot horse of the Spring and easy to see why given her return in the Winx Stakes where she gave them a start and a beating, launching late to finish best. The query with her is that this will be the first time she’ll be in a fast run race. Will she relish the extra tempo, or will she be found wanting? If it’s the former, good luck beating her. If it’s the latter, she’s poison odds.
2024 Makybe Diva Stakes $100 Betting Strategy:
Could put the lot on Via Sistina, but just not sure on her if she gets into a fast run race. She is the main bet though, $50 on her. $20 on Pride Of Jenni because she is a big price and is the SP profile horse. The best at odds is clearly Warmonger and going to have $5 Win/$25 Place.
Group l Strategy Outlay: $300
Group l Strategy Return: $0
2024 Makybe Diva Stakes Odds:
