For the first time this season, Group 1 race returns to HQ on Makybe Diva Stakes Day!
There are ten winners to be found in total, and you can find all of my thoughts and 2023 Makybe Diva Stakes Day Tips below.
Robert Cram Sprint (1100m) – 12:10pm
I’m sticking with Bews third-up in the first on Makybe Diva Stakes Day.
Bews returned a winner in BM64 company at Sandown off a lengthy break last month, before flashing late to only just miss in a BM70 at his latest.
Fitter third-up, I’m keen to see him have another crack at the Flemington straight.
Suggested Bet: No. 13 Bews
The Melbourne Cup Carnival On Sale Now (2500m) – 12:40pm
I thought Serpentine was very good fresh from a break I am expecting plenty of improvement second-up on Makybe Diva Stakes Day.
The Galileo gelding arrived in Australia for a crack at last year’s Melbourne Cup, but he didn’t fire a shot on his way to twentieth.
Having returned to win his first start for Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott up in Brisbane in April, Serpentine finished second in the Group 3 Premier’s Cup second-up, and he was only denied by one at Listed Level when resuming this time.
2500m is ideal and the booking of Ben Melham adds further confidence.
Suggested Bet: No. 1 Serpentine
Listed The Sofitel (1400m) – 1:15pm
This is a very interesting edition of The Sofitel, and quality Queensland raider Antino has opened our early favourite in betting.
There is a case to be made for a few of them though, and I am keen to take him on this week with Detonator Jack.
Detonator Jack has been a model of consistency throughout his career, picking off some nice metro races and finding form around some quality opposition.
He returned to action for fourth, beaten less than half a length in the Regal Roller at Caulfield last month, and I like that he has been back to the trials since that effort.
Jamie Kah jumps into the saddle this week, and this really does look the perfect black type target for him.
Suggested Bet: No. 3 Detonator Jack
Listed Poseidon Stakes (1100m) – 1:50pm
Some of the season’s most exciting three-year-olds are engaged in the Poseidon Stakes including Barber, who makes his eagerly awaited return.
Barber stamped himself as one to watch by winning each of his first three career starts, including the Group 3 Blue Diamond Prelude at the beginning of this year.
He went a little amiss in the Blue Diamond and the Golden Slipper, but went back to the paddock following a far more commendable performance in the Kindergarten.
He’s been scratched from a couple of races already this season, but this is a great launchpad, he’s another whose winning claims are enhanced by the booking of Jamie Kah, and he can have an each way play at the quote ($15 at publish).
Suggested Bet: No. 1 Barber
Listed Exford Plate (1400m) – 2:30pm
Legacies finished a close second behind Veight in her first run back from a break earlier this month, and this looks the perfect opportunity for her to go one better.
The Justify filly won each of two starts during her debut campaign, including a Listed race at Sandown, and she was very good in her first start back.
With natural improvement and out to 1400m, I can’t find a reason why she won’t be in the finish.
Suggested Bet: No. 15 Legacies
Listed Cap D’Antibes Stakes (1100m) – 3:05pm
Plenty of talented fillies engaged in the Cap D’Antibes including Queenslander Skirt The Law, who I have put on top.
She was nothing short of outstanding during her debut prep, winning the Magic Millions Classic most notably, and she was unlucky to miss a start in the Golden Slipper.
I thought that her effort to finish second in the Quezette Stakes in her first run back was great, and the form out of that race has been franked with winner Charm Stone winning again at The Valley last week.
Suggested Bet: No. 3 Skirt The Law
Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) – 3:40pm
Just seven horses are engaged, but what the Makybe Diva Stakes field lacks in size, it certainly makes up for in class.
I’ve put Alligator Blood on top, but check out my full preview and complete 2023 Makybe Diva Stakes Tips RIGHT HERE.
Suggested Bet: No. 2 Alligator Blood
Group 2 Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m) – 4:20pm
Star Perth mare Amelia’s Jewel makes her east coast debut in the Let’s Elope and understandably, has opened a $1.85 favourite in betting.
She’s been nothing short of outstanding since making her debut, is a Group 1 winner, and she only just missed in The Quokka back in March.
She has drawn horrifically, but will likely settle off the pace regardless, and she’ll take a power of beating.
Suggested Bet: No. 1 Amelia’s Jewel
Group 2 Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m) – 4:55pm
This is a ripper edition of the Bobbie Lewis Quality as well, and there is a case to be made for plenty of hopefuls, including Star Patrol.
Star Patrol showed ability from his first appearance at the races, but there’s no doubt he’s gone to another level for trainer Clinton McDonald.
The Starspangledbanner gelding rarely returned a poor effort, and he won in Listed company most notably in autumn before finishing within two lengths of the winner in a Group 1 race.
He’s twice won down the Flemington straight and this looks a nice kick-off point.
Suggested Bet: No. 5 Star Patrol
Australian Childhood Foundation Plate (1700m) – 5:25pm
He will need some luck from the draw, but I like Flash Flood in the last on Makybe Diva Stakes Day at double-figures ($10 at publish).
Flash Flood has been a model of consistency throughout his campaign, winning three races in succession before placing behind Floating Artist at The Valley last month.
He followed up that run with another strong one for second behind Soulcombe in the Heatherlie Stakes, and will relish the drop in class into this contest.
Suggested Bet: No. 9 Flash Flood