For the third time in a week, Via Sistina’s spring campaign has been altered, with the star mare now confirmed to line up in Saturday’s $750,000 Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington.
The 1600-metre feature had originally been flagged as a possible target following her brilliant Winx Stakes win, but Yulong initially shifted her path to avoid a clash with stablemate Treasurethe Moment. That plan was scrapped when Treasurethe Moment suffered a mild colic attack on Monday, ruling her out of the Makybe Diva.
Via Sistina had been due to trial on Tuesday morning ahead of the 7 Stakes at Randwick, but trainer Chris Waller confirmed the switch less than an hour before she was set to step out.
“Via Sistina will not trial this morning and will instead race in the Makybe Diva Stakes this Saturday at Flemington,” Waller said. “She galloped well this morning and I am happy with her fitness levels. James McDonald will take the ride and Damian Lane will ride Aeliana.”
Both Via Sistina and Aeliana, who pushed her stablemate hard in the Winx Stakes, are among 12 entries for the Flemington contest. They will face strong opposition from the likes of Mr Brightside, Antino, Another Wil and Tom Kitten.
Notably absent is Fangirl, who has returned to Sydney following her below-par effort in the Memsie Stakes. She will continue her build-up towards the $5 million Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m) from Waller’s Rosehill stable.
While Via Sistina’s presence in Melbourne rules her out of the 7 Stakes, connections still have the option of the Group 2 Golden Pendant (1400m) at Rosehill as a potential lead-up to the King Charles III Stakes in October.
Punters eager to follow Via Sistina’s campaign can secure markets and early odds via Australia’s top betting sites.