MAKYBE DIVA STAKES 2019 PREVIEW
FLEMINGTON RACE 7 – 16:10 AEST
OPEN GROUP 1
1600m
$750,000
GOOD 4
Rail TRUE
| # | Form | Horse | Trainer | Jockey (barrier) | Weight (kg) | Current Price |
| 1 | 33x34 | HARTNELL | JAMES CUMMINGS | C WILLIAMS (11) | 59 | $12 |
| 2 | 2142x | GAILO CHOP | M WILLIAMS | L J MEECH (6) | 59 | $41 |
| 3 | 333x0 | HUMIDOR | C MAHER & D EUSTACE | D LANE (14) | 59 | $21 |
| 4 | 3x121 | SCALES OF JUSTICE | L SMITH | D YENDALL (9) | 59 | $5.00 |
| 5 | 1557x | ROSTROPOVICH | D & B HAYES & T DABERNIG | D DUNN (13) | 59 | $31 |
| 6 | 51225 | GATTING | D AULIFFE | JAMIE KAH (8) | 59 | $81 |
| 7 | 360x5 | KINGS WILL DREAM | C WALLER | M ZAHRA (5) | 59 | $17 |
| 8 | 10x67 | FIFTY STARS | D & B HAYES & T DABERNIG | BEN ALLEN (3) | 59 | $31 |
| 9 | 3x10x | YUCATAN | LIAM HOWLEY | B MELHAM (2) | 59 | $9.00 |
| 10 | 000x5 | NIGHT'S WATCH | C WALLER | D OLIVER (15) | 59 | $21 |
| 11 | x048x | SOUND | M MORONEY | J MOTT (1) | 59 | $201 |
| 12 | 2131x | MR QUICKIE | P STOKES | J ALLEN (12) | 58.5 | $26
|
| 13 | 111x1 | MYSTIC JOURNEY | ADAM TRINDER | A DARMANIN (10) | 56.5 | $2.20 |
| 14 | 08x77 | OOHOOD | T & C MCEVOY | M J DEE (4) | 56.5 | $51 |
| 15 | 941x2 | QAFILA | D & B HAYES & T DABERNIG | L NOLEN (7) | 56.5 | $31 |
OVERVIEW
This year’s Makybe Diva Stakes looks to be dominated by race favourite Mystic Journey who looks to make it 8 wins on the trot, however she faces a number of quality opponents including the in-form Scales of Justice. These runners will be looking to use this as a launch pad into other feature races this Spring such as the Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup. The race was taken out by Grunt last year.
SPEED MAP
Looks to be a fairly strong tempo here, with a number of runners expected to go forward. Among those is Gailo Chop who looks to be the likely leader. Rostropovich should be prominent from the wide barrier and Scales of Justice should be forward as well. Race favourite Mystic Journey looks to get a gun run behind the leaders.
KEY RUNNERS
Has come back in scintillating form since returning from a long layoff due to an injury which almost cost him his career. Back in 2017, was rated as WA’s racehorse of the year and his two wins since returning has reminded us why. Expecting another good run here, however will need to find a few lengths to unseat Mystic Journey.
Another seriously talented horse who is no doubt using this race as a launch pad for races later in Spring. Has not raced at this distance since his first prep back in 2016, however has showcased his brilliance in Australia previously, particularly when he took out the Group 2 Herbert Power in dominant fashion last Spring carnival. He could have won by the length of the straight that day but was eased down by McDonald. Interesting runner.
Loved the return of this talented mare at Caulfield a few weeks back. Was no doubt short of her best distance but she still proved far too good for a classy field there. Looks to have taken great improvement from that run and the extra 200m should suit. This looks like another extremely winnable race for her as she looks to make it 8 on the trot.
BLUEY’S PICK
Any horse that can string together 7 wins on the trot in this day and age is a serious talented racehorse and Mystic Journey is no different. Unbeaten last prep and was far too strong first up. Would take something extraordinary to beat her here.
