There is no denying that it is always a good contest, but the 2020 Makybe Diva Stakes could very well be the strongest edition of the Group 1 feature race since the turn of the century.
Plenty of previous Group 1 winners are engaged, including last year’s Melbourne Cup winner Vow And Declare, while an early favourite for this year’s Race That Stops a Nation will also step out, Russian Camelot.
Makybe Diva Stakes – Winner
No. 4 Fierce Impact – Bet Now: $5.50
He is one of my two favourite horses and there probably isn’t a galloper that relishes a mile at the Victorian way of going more than Fierce Impact.
The Deep Impact entire has always hinted at above-average talent since arriving in Australia, but he really went to another level last spring when winning both the Toorak Handicap and the Cantala Stakes here in Melbourne.
He continued to perform well in strong races through autumn and boy, was there a lot to like about is third-placing behind Verry Elleegant in the Winx Stakes when resuming this time.
With improvement from that effort and back to his ideal conditions, I really can’t find a reason why he won’t be in the finish again.
Makybe Diva Stakes – 2nd
No. 9 Master Of Wine – Bet Now: $11.00
Master Of Wine’s first-up effort was surely too bad to be true, and I’m expecting a far better performance in the Makybe Diva Stakes.
The Maxios gelding enjoy a meteoric rise to prominence when arriving in Australia last year, but really did return to the races this year in career-best form, winning each of his first two starts including the Sky High Stakes, before ending his prep fourth in the Queen Elizabeth.
Getting out to a mile is going to be ideal for him, he looks a horse that will eat up the Flemington track and the talent is certainly there, if he puts it all together.
Makybe Diva Stakes – 3rd
No. 13 Russian Camelot – Bet Now: $3.60
He is clearly going to be better for whatever he does here and as he gets further out in trip, but there really isn’t any denying that Russian Camelot is a star, and I think he could be in the finish on talent alone.
The Camelot gelding has proven to be a bit of a headcase, but he has still managed to record three race wins and a second placing from just five career starts.
He truly announced himself as a major Spring Carnival contender with an eye-catching win in the South Australian Derby in May, and anything close to his best form result in a very competitive effort in this Makybe Diva Stakes.
Makybe Diva Stakes – 4th
No. 11 Dalasan – Bet Now: $8.50
There is a case to be made for Dalasan being one of the best horses in Australia that is yet to record a Group 1 win, and I for one would not be surprised to see him do it in the Makybe Diva Stakes.
The Dalakhani colt has been a strong and consistent performer for Leon Macdonald and Andrew Gluyas since debuting, and he has knocked off some A+ horses during his career.
He ran a pleasing second behind subsequent Group 1 winner Behemoth in the Spring Stakes when resuming, and was simply left far too much work in the old Penny Edition last time out.
With a key fitness edge over several key rivals, the $8 that is available for him in Makybe Diva Stakes betting at publish could prove overs.
Makybe Diva Stakes Suggested Bets
- 4 Units straight out #4 Fierce Impact
- Boxed Trifecta of the selections below