The Makybe Diva Stakes is the first Group 1 of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival and this year’s edition looks to be one of the very best.
What the field lacks in size it more than makes up for in quality, with last-start Memsie Stakes runner-up I’m Thunderstruck headlining the market ahead of proven Group 1 winners Cascadian, Mo’unga, and Alligator Blood.
All bar two have come through the Memsie, while She’s Ideel is set to take on the boys and fly the flag for Ciaron Maher and David Eustace.
For our thoughts on every runner, check out our Makybe Diva Stakes Preview below.
1. I’m Thunderstruck (1)
Was the run of the race first-up in the Memsie Stakes, bolting home out wide to finish within half a length of the winner Snapdancer. He probably would have won if Mark Zahra sat a little closer in transit, but it was still a big performance from a horse that endured an up and down autumn. Running second to Zaaki in the All-Star Mile does stand out on paper though, while he also within a length of recent hat-trick winner, Mr Brightside, in the Doncaster Mile. Not sure if barrier 1 does him any favours, but off his recent run, the mile looks to be absolutely no problem.
2. Cascadian (7)
Fourth and third in this race over the last two years but has won only three times from 17 starts over the mile. Resumed well for third in the Memsie a few weeks ago and another rain-affected track should be to his liking. Should give his usual honest effort on the speed and be thereabouts.
3. Regal Power (3)
Made up good late ground first-up in the PB Lawrence Stakes and looks ready for the rise in class now. Boasts an unblemished record (3:3-0-0) over the mile and was also a well-deserving Group 1 winner back home in Perth during the summer. Finished runner-up in his only start at Flemington in the 2020 Australia Cup but he might be in need of another run.
4. Alligator Blood (2)
Worth forgiving on his first-up run in the Memsie where he basically had no luck at all down the straight. Still did well to finish midfield though, while the way he hit the line suggested the mile will suit now. Won the Stradbroke Handicap second-up last prep and the booking of Tim Clark, who was responsible for that ride, is a big tick. Should look to make his own luck on the speed and rates the main danger to the favourite.
5. Mo’unga (8)
Back for revenge after nearly knocking off Incentivise last year. Failed to fire first-up in the Memsie but is worth forgiving after finding some traffic down the straight. His record over the mile (5:0-2-0) doesn’t stand out, but there’s big room for improvement with Jamie Kah stepping into the irons now. He’s missed the money only once from four starts second-up, while any rain about might be an advantage.
6. Nonconformist (6)
Resumed in the Memsie for the first time in close to a year and was strong in the finish. Another one with a strong record over the trip (5:2-0-1) which includes a win over Probabeel and Zaaki in the Caulfield Stakes. Handles rain-affected going but just might need another run at this stage of his prep.
7. Western Empire (5)
Appeared well on his way to a place first-up in the Memsie before his fitness gave way over the concluding stages. Loves racing over the mile with two wins on the board and has also done some of his best work second-up. Should benefit from a more patient ride with Damian Lane aboard and is worth a look each way.
8. She’s Ideel (4)
First-up and hasn’t been seen since finishing midfield in the Chairman’s Quality at Randwick back in April. Has missed the spoils only once from five starts over the mile but she’s likely lacking the fitness to match most of these.