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 (7) J: Luke Nolen 56.5kg 111×2T: Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman | |||
| Second run back. First-up after five months made some head-way from midfield; 2nd of 11 in the G1 Winx Stakes at Randwick on August 22 over 1400m, on a slow track; 1.4 len behind Autumn Glow carrying 56.5kg at $3.50. Previously second-up scored a big 3 len win in the G1 Randwick Guineas on March 7 over 1600m defeating Autumn Boy with 54.5kg at $2.10. Great return, she’ll relish a mile here and is clearly the one to beat. | |||
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) J: Blake Shinn 59kg 125×2T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | |||
| Second run back. First-up after 10 months sat on the pace when 2nd of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 29 over 1400m, on a slow track; 3 len behind Beiwacht with 59kg at $21. Previously second-up won by 1.5 len in the G1 Makybe Diva Stakes at this track on September 13 over 1600m defeating Aeliana with 59kg at $5. Going for the four-peat in this race and was brave as ever fresh. | |||
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 (10) J: Damian Lane 57kg 313×4T: Matt Laurie | |||
| Second-up. First-up after five months 4th of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 29 over 1400m, on a slow track; 3.5 len behind Beiwacht with 57kg at $10. Previously second-up won by 2 len in the G2 Sunline Stakes at Caulfield on March 21 over 1600m defeating Astral Flame with 57kg at $1.55. Had right run but good fresh and should come on from that. | |||
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.
| 1. Mr Brightside (2) J: Blake Shinn 59kg 125×2T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | |||
| Second run back. First-up after 10 months sat on the pace when 2nd of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 29 over 1400m, on a slow track; 3 len behind Beiwacht with 59kg at $21. Previously second-up won by 1.5 len in the G1 Makybe Diva Stakes at this track on September 13 over 1600m defeating Aeliana with 59kg at $5. Going for the four-peat in this race and was brave as ever fresh. | |||
| 10. Treasurethe Moment (10) J: Damian Lane 57kg 313×4T: Matt Laurie | |||
| Second-up. First-up after five months 4th of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 29 over 1400m, on a slow track; 3.5 len behind Beiwacht with 57kg at $10. Previously second-up won by 2 len in the G2 Sunline Stakes at Caulfield on March 21 over 1600m defeating Astral Flame with 57kg at $1.55. Had right run but good fresh and should come on from that. | |||
| 12. Sheza Alibi (7) J: Luke Nolen 56.5kg 111×2T: Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman | |||
| Second run back. First-up after five months made some head-way from midfield; 2nd of 11 in the G1 Winx Stakes at Randwick on August 22 over 1400m, on a slow track; 1.4 len behind Autumn Glow carrying 56.5kg at $3.50. Previously second-up scored a big 3 len win in the G1 Randwick Guineas on March 7 over 1600m defeating Autumn Boy with 54.5kg at $2.10. Great return, she’ll relish a mile here and is clearly the one to beat. | |||
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.5 Buckaroo, No.6 Birdman, 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 Buckaroo, Birdman and Ohope Wins all 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
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1. Mr Brightside (2)
J: Blake Shinn 59kg
125×2T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes
|
|||
| Second run back. First-up after 10 months sat on the pace when 2nd of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 29 over 1400m, on a slow track; 3 len behind Beiwacht with 59kg at $21. Previously second-up won by 1.5 len in the G1 Makybe Diva Stakes at this track on September 13 over 1600m defeating Aeliana with 59kg at $5. Going for the four-peat in this race and was brave as ever fresh. | |||
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4. Sir Delius (9)
J: Craig Williams 59kg
x331xT: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott
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|||
| Entire returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last campaign by 2.25 len Randwick G1 Queen Eliz April 11 over 2000m defeating Lindermann with 59kg at $6. First up last campaign third of 9 at Randwick in the G1 V Elleegant February 28 over 1600m, soft track; 4 len behind Autumn Glow carrying 59kg at $8. Short of his best but he’s too good to leave out as a genuine hope. | |||
|
12. Sheza Alibi (7)
J: Luke Nolen 56.5kg
111×2T: Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman
|
|||
| Second run back. First-up after five months made some head-way from midfield; 2nd of 11 in the G1 Winx Stakes at Randwick on August 22 over 1400m, on a slow track; 1.4 len behind Autumn Glow carrying 56.5kg at $3.50. Previously second-up scored a big 3 len win in the G1 Randwick Guineas on March 7 over 1600m defeating Autumn Boy with 54.5kg at $2.10. Great return, she’ll relish a mile here and is clearly the one to beat. | |||
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
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1. Mr Brightside (2)
J: Blake Shinn 59kg
125×2T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes
|
|||
| Second run back. First-up after 10 months sat on the pace when 2nd of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 29 over 1400m, on a slow track; 3 len behind Beiwacht with 59kg at $21. Previously second-up won by 1.5 len in the G1 Makybe Diva Stakes at this track on September 13 over 1600m defeating Aeliana with 59kg at $5. Going for the four-peat in this race and was brave as ever fresh. | |||
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3. Light Infantry Man (1)
J: Ethan Brown 59kg
415×4T: Ciaron Maher
|
|||
| Second-up. First-up after four months 4th of 8 in a Bm100 at Caulfield on August 15 over 1600m, on a slow track; 2 len behind Darkbonee carrying 60kg at $3.40. Previously second-up 4th of 7 in the G2 Peter Young Stakes at Caulfield on March 14 over 1800m, 2 len behind Birdman with 59kg at $4.20. Solid return, probably needs further to show his stamina. | |||
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7. Another Wil (11)
J: John Allen 59kg
940×9T: Ciaron Maher
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|||
| Second-up. First-up after three months got back early 9th of 12 in a Bm100 at Caulfield on August 29 over 1400m, on a slow track; 8 len behind Fancify with 60kg at $8. Previously second-up 4th of 16 in the G1 Kingsford Smith Cup at Eagle Farm on May 30 over 1300m, slow going 0.6 len behind Headley Grange with 59kg at $26. Best seems behind him. | |||
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10. Treasurethe Moment (10)
J: Damian Lane 57kg
313×4T: Matt Laurie
|
|||
| Second-up. First-up after five months 4th of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 29 over 1400m, on a slow track; 3.5 len behind Beiwacht with 57kg at $10. Previously second-up won by 2 len in the G2 Sunline Stakes at Caulfield on March 21 over 1600m defeating Astral Flame with 57kg at $1.55. Had right run but good fresh and should come on from that. | |||
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. 5 Buckaroo, No. 6 Birdman, No. 7 Another Wil, No. 10 Treasurethe Moment, No. 12 Sheza Alibi
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1. Mr Brightside (2)
J: Blake Shinn 59kg
125×2T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes
|
|||
| Second run back. First-up after 10 months sat on the pace when 2nd of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 29 over 1400m, on a slow track; 3 len behind Beiwacht with 59kg at $21. Previously second-up won by 1.5 len in the G1 Makybe Diva Stakes at this track on September 13 over 1600m defeating Aeliana with 59kg at $5. Going for the four-peat in this race and was brave as ever fresh. | |||
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5. Buckaroo (3)
J: Jye Mcneil 59kg
x25x5T: Chris Waller
|
|||
| Second run back. First-up after six months 5th of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 29 over 1400m, slow going 4 len behind Beiwacht with 59kg at $101. Previously second-up 5th of 7 in the G2 Peter Young Stakes at Caulfield on March 14 over 1800m, 6 len behind Birdman with 59kg at $2.25. Very nice return, suited up in trip – blowout hope? | |||
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6. Birdman (4)
J: Ben Melham 59kg
521×6T: Chris Waller
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|||
| Second run back. First-up after three months got back early 6th of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 29 over 1400m, slow going 4.5 len behind Beiwacht with 59kg at $61. Previously second-up won by 1.75 len in the G2 Blamey Stakes at this track on February 28 over 1600m defeating Enxuto with 57kg at $3.50. Lovely return, up in trip suits, can run a big race each-way. | |||
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7. Another Wil (11)
J: John Allen 59kg
940×9T: Ciaron Maher
|
|||
| Second-up. First-up after three months got back early 9th of 12 in a Bm100 at Caulfield on August 29 over 1400m, on a slow track; 8 len behind Fancify with 60kg at $8. Previously second-up 4th of 16 in the G1 Kingsford Smith Cup at Eagle Farm on May 30 over 1300m, slow going 0.6 len behind Headley Grange with 59kg at $26. Best seems behind him. | |||
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10. Treasurethe Moment (10)
J: Damian Lane 57kg
313×4T: Matt Laurie
|
|||
| Second-up. First-up after five months 4th of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 29 over 1400m, on a slow track; 3.5 len behind Beiwacht with 57kg at $10. Previously second-up won by 2 len in the G2 Sunline Stakes at Caulfield on March 21 over 1600m defeating Astral Flame with 57kg at $1.55. Had right run but good fresh and should come on from that. | |||
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12. Sheza Alibi (7)
J: Luke Nolen 56.5kg
111×2T: Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman
|
|||
| Second run back. First-up after five months made some head-way from midfield; 2nd of 11 in the G1 Winx Stakes at Randwick on August 22 over 1400m, on a slow track; 1.4 len behind Autumn Glow carrying 56.5kg at $3.50. Previously second-up scored a big 3 len win in the G1 Randwick Guineas on March 7 over 1600m defeating Autumn Boy with 54.5kg at $2.10. Great return, she’ll relish a mile here and is clearly the one to beat. | |||
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
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1. Mr Brightside (2)
J: Blake Shinn 59kg
125×2T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes
|
|||
| Second run back. First-up after 10 months sat on the pace when 2nd of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 29 over 1400m, on a slow track; 3 len behind Beiwacht with 59kg at $21. Previously second-up won by 1.5 len in the G1 Makybe Diva Stakes at this track on September 13 over 1600m defeating Aeliana with 59kg at $5. Going for the four-peat in this race and was brave as ever fresh. | |||
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3. Light Infantry Man (1)
J: Ethan Brown 59kg
415×4T: Ciaron Maher
|
|||
| Second-up. First-up after four months 4th of 8 in a Bm100 at Caulfield on August 15 over 1600m, on a slow track; 2 len behind Darkbonee carrying 60kg at $3.40. Previously second-up 4th of 7 in the G2 Peter Young Stakes at Caulfield on March 14 over 1800m, 2 len behind Birdman with 59kg at $4.20. Solid return, probably needs further to show his stamina. | |||
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4. Sir Delius (9)
J: Craig Williams 59kg
x331xT: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott
|
|||
| Entire returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last campaign by 2.25 len Randwick G1 Queen Eliz April 11 over 2000m defeating Lindermann with 59kg at $6. First up last campaign third of 9 at Randwick in the G1 V Elleegant February 28 over 1600m, soft track; 4 len behind Autumn Glow carrying 59kg at $8. Short of his best but he’s too good to leave out as a genuine hope. | |||
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10. Treasurethe Moment (10)
J: Damian Lane 57kg
313×4T: Matt Laurie
|
|||
| Second-up. First-up after five months 4th of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 29 over 1400m, on a slow track; 3.5 len behind Beiwacht with 57kg at $10. Previously second-up won by 2 len in the G2 Sunline Stakes at Caulfield on March 21 over 1600m defeating Astral Flame with 57kg at $1.55. Had right run but good fresh and should come on from that. | |||
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
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1. Mr Brightside (2)
J: Blake Shinn 59kg
125×2T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes
|
|||
| Second run back. First-up after 10 months sat on the pace when 2nd of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 29 over 1400m, on a slow track; 3 len behind Beiwacht with 59kg at $21. Previously second-up won by 1.5 len in the G1 Makybe Diva Stakes at this track on September 13 over 1600m defeating Aeliana with 59kg at $5. Going for the four-peat in this race and was brave as ever fresh. | |||
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4. Sir Delius (9)
J: Craig Williams 59kg
x331xT: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott
|
|||
| Entire returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last campaign by 2.25 len Randwick G1 Queen Eliz April 11 over 2000m defeating Lindermann with 59kg at $6. First up last campaign third of 9 at Randwick in the G1 V Elleegant February 28 over 1600m, soft track; 4 len behind Autumn Glow carrying 59kg at $8. Short of his best but he’s too good to leave out as a genuine hope. | |||
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12. Sheza Alibi (7)
J: Luke Nolen 56.5kg
111×2T: Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman
|
|||
| Second run back. First-up after five months made some head-way from midfield; 2nd of 11 in the G1 Winx Stakes at Randwick on August 22 over 1400m, on a slow track; 1.4 len behind Autumn Glow carrying 56.5kg at $3.50. Previously second-up scored a big 3 len win in the G1 Randwick Guineas on March 7 over 1600m defeating Autumn Boy with 54.5kg at $2.10. Great return, she’ll relish a mile here and is clearly the one to beat. | |||
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. 5 Buckaroo, No. 7 Another Wil
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4. Sir Delius (9)
J: Craig Williams 59kg
x331xT: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott
|
|||
| Entire returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last campaign by 2.25 len Randwick G1 Queen Eliz April 11 over 2000m defeating Lindermann with 59kg at $6. First up last campaign third of 9 at Randwick in the G1 V Elleegant February 28 over 1600m, soft track; 4 len behind Autumn Glow carrying 59kg at $8. Short of his best but he’s too good to leave out as a genuine hope. | |||
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5. Buckaroo (3)
J: Jye Mcneil 59kg
x25x5T: Chris Waller
|
|||
| Second run back. First-up after six months 5th of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 29 over 1400m, slow going 4 len behind Beiwacht with 59kg at $101. Previously second-up 5th of 7 in the G2 Peter Young Stakes at Caulfield on March 14 over 1800m, 6 len behind Birdman with 59kg at $2.25. Very nice return, suited up in trip – blowout hope? | |||
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7. Another Wil (11)
J: John Allen 59kg
940×9T: Ciaron Maher
|
|||
| Second-up. First-up after three months got back early 9th of 12 in a Bm100 at Caulfield on August 29 over 1400m, on a slow track; 8 len behind Fancify with 60kg at $8. Previously second-up 4th of 16 in the G1 Kingsford Smith Cup at Eagle Farm on May 30 over 1300m, slow going 0.6 len behind Headley Grange with 59kg at $26. Best seems behind him. | |||
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10. Treasurethe Moment (10)
J: Damian Lane 57kg
313×4T: Matt Laurie
|
|||
| Second-up. First-up after five months 4th of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 29 over 1400m, on a slow track; 3.5 len behind Beiwacht with 57kg at $10. Previously second-up won by 2 len in the G2 Sunline Stakes at Caulfield on March 21 over 1600m defeating Astral Flame with 57kg at $1.55. Had right run but good fresh and should come on from that. | |||
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
| 1. Mr Brightside (2) J: Blake Shinn 59kg 125×2T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | |||
| Second run back. First-up after 10 months sat on the pace when 2nd of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 29 over 1400m, on a slow track; 3 len behind Beiwacht with 59kg at $21. Previously second-up won by 1.5 len in the G1 Makybe Diva Stakes at this track on September 13 over 1600m defeating Aeliana with 59kg at $5. Going for the four-peat in this race and was brave as ever fresh. | |||
| 2. Half Yours (12) J: Jamie Melham 59kg 9444xT: Tony & Calvin Mcevoy | |||
| Resuming after a break of three months. Finished off last campaign fourth of 9 at Eagle Farm in the G2 Q22 Wfa June 13 over 2200m, in the wet; 3 len behind Royal Supremacy with 59kg at $2.35. Previously first up; ninth of 13 at Randwick in the G1 All Aged April 18 over 1400m, 4 len behind Beiwacht with 59kg at $26. Cups champ who will only be getting warm late. | |||
| 3. Light Infantry Man (1) J: Ethan Brown 59kg 415×4T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Second-up. First-up after four months 4th of 8 in a Bm100 at Caulfield on August 15 over 1600m, on a slow track; 2 len behind Darkbonee carrying 60kg at $3.40. Previously second-up 4th of 7 in the G2 Peter Young Stakes at Caulfield on March 14 over 1800m, 2 len behind Birdman with 59kg at $4.20. Solid return, probably needs further to show his stamina. | |||
| 4. Sir Delius (9) J: Craig Williams 59kg x331xT: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | |||
| Entire returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last campaign by 2.25 len Randwick G1 Queen Eliz April 11 over 2000m defeating Lindermann with 59kg at $6. First up last campaign third of 9 at Randwick in the G1 V Elleegant February 28 over 1600m, soft track; 4 len behind Autumn Glow carrying 59kg at $8. Short of his best but he’s too good to leave out as a genuine hope. | |||
| 5. Buckaroo (3) J: Jye Mcneil 59kg x25x5T: Chris Waller | |||
| Second run back. First-up after six months 5th of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 29 over 1400m, slow going 4 len behind Beiwacht with 59kg at $101. Previously second-up 5th of 7 in the G2 Peter Young Stakes at Caulfield on March 14 over 1800m, 6 len behind Birdman with 59kg at $2.25. Very nice return, suited up in trip – blowout hope? | |||
| 6. Birdman (4) J: Ben Melham 59kg 521×6T: Chris Waller | |||
| Second run back. First-up after three months got back early 6th of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 29 over 1400m, slow going 4.5 len behind Beiwacht with 59kg at $61. Previously second-up won by 1.75 len in the G2 Blamey Stakes at this track on February 28 over 1600m defeating Enxuto with 57kg at $3.50. Lovely return, up in trip suits, can run a big race each-way. | |||
| 7. Another Wil (11) J: John Allen 59kg 940×9T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Second-up. First-up after three months got back early 9th of 12 in a Bm100 at Caulfield on August 29 over 1400m, on a slow track; 8 len behind Fancify with 60kg at $8. Previously second-up 4th of 16 in the G1 Kingsford Smith Cup at Eagle Farm on May 30 over 1300m, slow going 0.6 len behind Headley Grange with 59kg at $26. Best seems behind him. | |||
| 8. Autumn Boy (5) J: Mark Zahra 58.5kg 212×8T: Chris Waller | |||
| Second run back. First-up after five months 8th of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 29 over 1400m, slow going 5 len behind Beiwacht with 58.5kg at $9. Previously second-up 2nd of 9 in the G1 Randwick Guineas on March 7 over 1600m, 3 len behind Sheza Alibi carrying 56.5kg at $3.60. Fair effort fresh, can improve up in trip but place best. | |||
| 10. Treasurethe Moment (10) J: Damian Lane 57kg 313×4T: Matt Laurie | |||
| Second-up. First-up after five months 4th of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 29 over 1400m, on a slow track; 3.5 len behind Beiwacht with 57kg at $10. Previously second-up won by 2 len in the G2 Sunline Stakes at Caulfield on March 21 over 1600m defeating Astral Flame with 57kg at $1.55. Had right run but good fresh and should come on from that. | |||
| 11. She’s A Hustler (6) J: Jordan Childs 57kg 4355xT: Grahame Begg | |||
| Resuming. Finished off last preparation fifth of 9 at Eagle Farm in the G2 Q22 Wfa June 13 over 2200m, on rain affected going; 4 len behind Royal Supremacy carrying 57kg at $6. First up last campaign fourth of 11 at Randwick in the G1 Queen Turf April 11 over 1600m, 2.5 len behind Idle Flyer with 57kg at $15. Good mare but this will test. | |||
| 12. Sheza Alibi (7) J: Luke Nolen 56.5kg 111×2T: Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman | |||
| Second run back. First-up after five months made some head-way from midfield; 2nd of 11 in the G1 Winx Stakes at Randwick on August 22 over 1400m, on a slow track; 1.4 len behind Autumn Glow carrying 56.5kg at $3.50. Previously second-up scored a big 3 len win in the G1 Randwick Guineas on March 7 over 1600m defeating Autumn Boy with 54.5kg at $2.10. Great return, she’ll relish a mile here and is clearly the one to beat. | |||
| 13. Ohope Wins (8) J: Jason Collett 56.5kg 141×0T: Chris Waller | |||
| Second run back. First-up after four months ran last of 11 in the G2 PB Lawrence Stakes at Caulfield on August 15 over 1400m, slow going 10 len behind Cosmic Crusader with 56.5kg at $41. Previously second-up 5th of 14 at Pukekohe on December 6 over 1600m, slow going 2 len behind Dance The Night with 55kg at $6.50. Didn’t do enough fresh. | |||
| 9. Aeliana (13) Scratched: | |||
2026 Makybe Diva Stakes Big Bets Tracker
See where the big money Makybe Diva Stakes bets are landing this weekend.
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.