Group 1 racing for the spring at Flemington is underway on Saturday with the early mile feature of the carnival named in honour of one of Australian racing’s darlings, and with an odds-on mare and a returning three-time champion there’s plenty to unpack in our 2026 Makybe Diva Stakes tips, predictions and best bets.
Won the past three years running by Lindsay Park’s evergreen warhorse Mr Brightside, the Group 1 $750,000 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) has drawn another elite field of weight-for-age stars.
Mr B is back as a nine-year-old looking to further etch his name into the history books, but he’ll have to knock off the Moody/Coleman mare Sheza Alibi who is unbeaten over a mile and on the rise.
So, will it be the punters celebrating with Sheza Alibi returning to winning form second-up, can Mr Brightside make it a four-peat at his favourite track and trip or is the value in betting on this year’s Makybe Diva Stakes found elsewhere?
Read on for our expert Makybe Diva Stakes 2026 predictions and Same Race Multi selections!
Race Snapshot
- Status: Group 1
- Distance: 1600m
- Track: Flemington Racecourse
- Conditions: Weight-for-age
- Date: Saturday September 12, 2026
- Race Style: A high‑pressure Flemington mile showdown where seasoned Group 1 warriors and rising WFA stars collide in a genuine stamina‑and‑tempo test that rewards toughness, rhythm and late acceleration.
- Key Profiles: Improving milers with an eye on other spring features, the standout Flemington campaigners and previous champions at elite level do battle at HQ.
2026 Makybe Diva Stakes Best Bets
SHEZA ALIBI (7) is the deserving favourite and it is pretty hard to see anything get in her way now that she’s in a field without Autumn Glow.
Three-from-three over the 1600m including becoming the first filly in nearly 30 years to claim Doncaster glory in the autumn, she’s a true racehorse and was far from disgraced making up ground from midfield for her game Winx Stakes second first-up.
Hasn’t had the most experience at Flemington but was a big winner here against her own kind as a filly last spring and went on to trump the boys in the Sandown Guineas after that.
She’s also unbeaten second-up so presents fit and ready to get back into the winners’ stall.
Luke Nolen sticks with and described her return as “terrific” so he’s also brimming with confidence.
Second-up last prep she put over three lengths on Autumn Boy in the Randwick Guineas and that bodes well for her now.
Options from the gate but she’ll be somewhere in the mid pack with the right distance to close hard late and potentially gap them.
Verdict: Sheza Alibi looks set to blow past them again, the mile queen primed to pounce second‑up and turn this into another statement win.
| 12. Sheza Alibi (5) 56.5kg111×2 |
MR BRIGHTSIDE (2) is the cult horse who, should Sheza Alibi be off her game, presents as a genuine winning hope despite being nine.
He showed plenty of zest fresh in the Memsie having sat on the speed before being found out by the young gun Beiwacht but he was 10 months off the scene, and didn’t we love that placing from the grand old boy.
Back to the Flemington mile where he boasts a terrific record (12:5-2-1) he is another that always improves with a run under the belt with his second-up strike rate very strong (9:7-1-0).
History was made when he collected his third win in this race last year beating Aeliana by 1.5 lengths and he is going equally as good this season.
What a horse.
Can finish in the money again despite Willo jumping off for the Sir Delius ride.
Verdict: Mr Brightside remains the old warrior you can never rule out, a Flemington mile specialist who lifts second‑up and is more than capable of landing another blow if the favourite wobbles.
| 1. Mr Brightside (2) 59kg125×2 |
The double figure quote on Matt Laurie’s darling TREASURETHE MOMENT (10) certainly appeals considering the consistent five-year-old Alabama Express mare is a four-time Group 1 champion and Flemington specialist.
From a VRC Oaks victory in 2024 to a 2.5 length win over Mr Brightside in the 2025 Memsie Stakes, she knows how to win at elite level and has incredible versatility.
She’s not been first past the post since saluting as the odds-on favourite by a big margin second-up in the autumn’s Group 2 Sunline Stakes at Caulfield, but her fourth in the Memsie to get her spring underway was full credible considering she was knocked around a little inside the final furlong and she’s sure to appreciate a return to Headquarters where she’s won three of her four previous Flemington assignments.
Second run into her prep is always a sweet spot for her (5:4-1-0), Damian Lane knows her very well and she looks the improver heading into this.
From the wider gate she’ll bounce out, likely take up front running and ticks a few boxes to take some running down.
Verdict: Treasurethe Moment is the smoky with sting in her tail, a four‑time Group 1 mare who loves Flemington and shapes as the second‑up improver ready to roll forward and give plenty of cheek at big odds.
| 10. Treasurethe Moment (8) 57kg313×4 |
2026 Makybe Diva Stakes Same Race Multi Selections
- To Win: No. 12 Sheza Alibi
- Top 3: No. 1 Mr Brightside
- Top 4: No. 10 Treasurethe Moment
SHEZA ALIBI (7) looks the clear anchor for the Same Race Multi — the mile specialist who explodes second‑up, was superb fresh in the Winx Stakes, and now lands the perfect Flemington set‑up to put them away with her trademark late surge.
MR BRIGHTSIDE (2) is a rock‑solid Top 3 play — the old warrior who always lifts second‑up, owns the Flemington mile, and maps to land in the right spot to punch on late and keep his remarkable record in this race intact.
TREASURETHE MOMENT (10) is a great Top‑4 inclusion — a tough, proven Flemington mare who improves sharply second‑up, maps to roll forward from the wide draw and has the staying grit to stick on late in a fast‑run mile.
| 12. Sheza Alibi (5) 56.5kg111×2 | ||
| 1. Mr Brightside (2) 59kg125×2 | ||
| 10. Treasurethe Moment (8) 57kg313×4 |
2026 Makybe Diva Stakes Speedman Snapshot
A genuine, rolling Flemington mile tempo looks likely, with a clear leader drawn to take up the running, a strong line of on‑pace WFA stars pressing forward, a busy midfield wall stalking the speed, and a deep group of swoopers settling out the back ready to launch late. It’s a classic Makybe Diva Stakes shape — early pressure, mid‑race control, and a long Flemington straight that rewards rhythm and timing.
Leader: No.10 Treasurethe Moment
The proven front‑runner and Flemington specialist rolls straight to the top from the wide draw and ensures a genuine mile tempo.
Pace (On‑Speed Group): No.1 Mr Brightside, No.3 Light Infantry Man, No.4 Sir Delius
A trio of high‑class WFA performers landing close to the leader. Mr Brightside parks in the perfect stalking spot, Light Infantry Man holds a handy position before building late, and Sir Delius slides across to settle in the first few.
Midfield Group: No.7 Another Wil, No.8 Autumn Boy, No.11 She’s A Hustler, No.12 Sheza Alibi
A busy midfield pack with hot favourite Sheza Alibi getting the ideal trail to unleash late, Autumn Boy and Another Wil sitting close enough to strike, and She’s A Hustler blending in behind them.
Backmarkers (Swoopers): No.2 Half Yours, No.13 Ohope Wins
The deep closers who drift back and look to sweep late down the long Flemington straight. Dual Cups champion from last spring, Half Yours, will only be warming up at the 200m, while Ohope Wins will rely on tempo and clear air.
Speed Map Verdict
Expect a true, forward‑rolling mile with Treasurethe Moment controlling the early shape and the on‑pace trio — Mr Brightside, Light Infantry Man and Sir Delius — sitting right on her hammer. The midfield group, led by Sheza Alibi, gets the perfect trail to launch late, while the swoopers will be hoping for a strong mid‑race burn to bring them into play. It’s a classic Flemington mile set‑up where positioning and patience will decide the final 200m.
What Wins the 2026 Makybe Diva Stakes?
Elite WFA milers: The Makybe Diva rewards proven weight‑for‑age performers who can absorb pressure and accelerate off a genuine Flemington mile tempo. Horses with established Group 1 class at 1400–1600m hold a major edge.
Best Bets: No.1 Mr Brightside, No.12 Sheza Alibi, No.4 Sir Delius
| 12. Sheza Alibi (5) 56.5kg111×2 | ||
| 4. Sir Delius (7) 59kgx331x | ||
| 1. Mr Brightside (2) 59kg125×2 |
Flemington mile specialists: The long straight rewards horses who settle, relax and build momentum rather than those reliant on tight‑turn acceleration. Proven Flemington form is a huge advantage.
Best Bets: No.1 Mr Brightside, No. 3 Light Infantry Man, No. 7 Another Wil, No. 10 Treasurethe Moment
| 7. Another Wil (9) 59kg940×9 | ||
| 1. Mr Brightside (2) 59kg125×2 | ||
| 3. Light Infantry Man (1) 59kg415×4 | ||
| 10. Treasurethe Moment (8) 57kg313×4 |
Second‑up improvers: The Makybe Diva often tilts toward runners with one run under the belt, especially those who spike second‑up and thrive with added fitness.
Best Bets: No. 1 Mr Brightside, No. 7 Another Wil, No. 10 Treasurethe Moment, No. 12 Sheza Alibi
| 12. Sheza Alibi (5) 56.5kg111×2 | ||
| 7. Another Wil (9) 59kg940×9 | ||
| 1. Mr Brightside (2) 59kg125×2 | ||
| 10. Treasurethe Moment (8) 57kg313×4 |
On‑pace tacticians: A controlled WFA tempo is typical, and horses who can sit handy without burning fuel often get the perfect slingshot into the Flemington straight.
Best Bets: No.10 Treasurethe Moment, No. 1 Mr Brightside, No. 3 Light Infantry Man, No. 4 Sir Delius
| 4. Sir Delius (7) 59kgx331x | ||
| 1. Mr Brightside (2) 59kg125×2 | ||
| 3. Light Infantry Man (1) 59kg415×4 | ||
| 10. Treasurethe Moment (8) 57kg313×4 |
Stables targeting early Group 1s: Top yards regularly aim their best middle‑distance horses at this race as a springboard into the Underwood, Turnbull and Cox Plate. These runners typically arrive forward, fit and ready.
Best Bets: No.12 Sheza Alibi, No.1 Mr Brightside, No.4 Sir Delius
| 12. Sheza Alibi (5) 56.5kg111×2 | ||
| 4. Sir Delius (7) 59kgx331x | ||
| 1. Mr Brightside (2) 59kg125×2 |
Market confidence: Firmers in Makybe Diva Stakes betting often reflect sharp trials, ideal maps or stable confidence — and historically, the market reads this race extremely well.
Best Bets: No. 10 Treasurethe Moment, No. 4 Sir Delius, No. 7 Another Wil
| 7. Another Wil (9) 59kg940×9 | ||
| 4. Sir Delius (7) 59kgx331x | ||
| 10. Treasurethe Moment (8) 57kg313×4 |
The 2026 Makybe Diva Stakes shapes as a pure WFA mile test where class, timing and tactical nous will matter just as much as raw talent. With Sheza Alibi primed to explode second‑up, Mr Brightside stalking for another famous Flemington finish, and Treasurethe Moment adding genuine on‑pace intrigue, punters are set for a cracking edition of one of the spring’s most reliable form races. However you play it — straight out, exotics or Same Race Multi — the Makybe Diva once again promises to be a defining early‑season yardstick for the stars heading toward the Underwood, Turnbull and Cox Plate.
Good luck punters!
Latest Makybe Diva Stakes 2026 Odds
Makybe Diva Stakes 2026 Results
| 12. Sheza Alibi (5) 56.5kg111×2 | |||
| 8. Autumn Boy (3) 58.5kg212×8 | |||
| 7. Another Wil (9) 59kg940×9 | |||
| 4. Sir Delius (7) 59kgx331x | |||
| 11. She’s A Hustler (4) 57kg4355x | |||
| 2. Half Yours (10) 59kg9444x | |||
| 1. Mr Brightside (2) 59kg125×2 | |||
| 3. Light Infantry Man (1) 59kg415×4 | |||
| 13. Ohope Wins (6) 56.5kg141×0 | |||
| 10. Treasurethe Moment (8) 57kg313×4 | |||
| 5. Buckaroo (3)SCRATCHED: | |||
| 6. Birdman (4)SCRATCHED: | |||
| 9. Aeliana (13)SCRATCHED: | |||
Makybe Diva Stakes FAQs
A Group 1 weight‑for‑age mile run at Flemington, the race is a key early‑spring benchmark for elite middle‑distance horses heading toward major features.
The race takes place in mid‑September during the opening phase of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival.
It is run over 1600 metres, a genuine Flemington mile that rewards class, balance, and the ability to build momentum through the long straight.
The race is held at Flemington Racecourse, Australia’s premier headquarters for big‑track racing.
Proven WFA stars and seasoned Group 1 milers typically dominate, with many winners using the race as a springboard into the Underwood, Turnbull and Cox Plate.
Key factors include second‑up improvement, Flemington mile form, tactical speed, strong late sectionals, and runners mapping to stalk the tempo.
Follow the latest odds, market movers, speed maps and expert analysis on Ladbrokes to build confident early‑spring betting plays.
The Memsie Stakes, Winx Stakes and PB Lawrence Stakes are common lead‑ups, with many runners improving sharply second‑up into the Flemington mile.
The race is a major form reference for the Underwood Stakes, Turnbull Stakes and the Ladbrokes Cox Plate.