Champion trainer Chris Waller has nominated five horses from a field of 15 for the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes, a 1600m race at Flemington. The final acceptors will be determined by barrier draws and the projected race dynamics, with Aeliana, Autumn Boy, Birdman, Buckaroo, and Ohope Wins all entered.
Waller’s previous success in the Makybe Diva came in 2014 with Foreteller. He has consistently used this weight-for-age feature as a key part of his horses’ spring campaigns.
Via Sistina, who has won the last two renewals of the Cox Plate, has competed in the Makybe Diva on both occasions. She finished fifth in 2024 and third last year, with Mr Brightside triumphing both times. Mr Brightside is set to aim for an unprecedented fourth consecutive victory in the race.
On Tuesday morning, Waller was present at Flemington to observe Autumn Boy, Birdman, Buckaroo, and Ohope Wins during their trackwork. Aeliana completed her work in Sydney and is scheduled to travel to Melbourne later in the week.
Following her initial run in the Winx Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on August 22, the step up in distance is anticipated to suit Aeliana better. “She raced a little bit flat but sectional times suggest they went a little bit quicker than what she was comfortable with and got a bit tired late, although Nash Rawiller said her last 200 metres was fine,” Waller commented. “Based on what he said and her recovery, I’m happy with her and I think she will appreciate the mile and the nice big open spaces at Flemington. She was going well into her first-up run, so there has been no change.”
Given his affinity for the distance, having won the Caulfield Guineas previously, Waller suggested Autumn Boy is potentially the leading contender for Saturday’s race, following his eighth-place finish in the Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield first-up. “He’s fitter for the run and physically he looks a little bit tighter which is how I want him to look,” Waller stated. “He’s a good miler. He’s a Guineas winner and James (McDonald) was happy with his first-up run when he didn’t get a lot of luck over the last 200 metres at Caulfield, and it’s an important race for a colt.”
Waller indicated that either Buckaroo or Birdman might be held back for the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield the following Saturday. Buckaroo was the winner of the Underwood in 2024 and finished behind Sir Delius last year. Both horses participated in the Memsie Stakes first-up, securing fifth and sixth places respectively. “They got home well, they came through it well and the mile will suit better,” Waller remarked. “We may split one of them up with the Underwood the following week. Buckaroo has won that before, and Birdman runs well at Caulfield, so we’ll see how they’ve drawn, what the race is like and then see which one might be held back.”
Australian Oaks winner Ohope Wins has had one start since her spell, finishing at the rear of the field in the PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on August 15. Waller believes the increased trip and larger track will be beneficial. “We won’t see her best until she gets to 2000 metres, but it is an important stepping stone for a race like the Turnbull.”
Waller anticipates the Group 1 contest will be a thrilling affair. “Sheza Alibi had a tough run first-up in Sydney and I’m sure she has come on and Sir Delius, I’ve been keeping an eye on him up in Sydney,” Waller said. “Mr Brightside was awesome first-up and along with a few of ours, it will be a great race.”
For those keen to get involved, the Makybe Diva Stakes is shaping up to be a fantastic betting event. You can explore the latest Australian betting sites for the best odds.
