2008 Makybe Diva Stakes – 6 September 2008

The $500,000 Group 2 weight-for-age Makybe Diva Stakes over 1600 metres at Flemington has attracted a field of eleven, but according to the betting there are only two horses in the race – Weekend Hussler (at $2.00 in the early market) and Light Fantastic ($2.40). Only one horse in the field is not a Group 1 winner, and that horse Littorio has three Group 1 placings in the Victoria Derby, Rosehill Guineas and AJC Derby.

The field includes last years Melbourne Cup winner Efficient returning to start his campaign to defend his title. It also includes Caulfield Cup winner Master O’Reilly, Victoria Derby winner Kibbutz, Rosehill Guineas winner Dealer Principal, Zarita who won the Schweppes Oaks and the SA Derby and Riva San who won the Queensland Oaks and Queensland Derby. It is all-star quality field but all eyes are on the rematch between Weekend Hussler, who was named Australia’s Racehorse of the Year for 2007-08, and the unbeaten grey horse Light Fantastic.

In their last meeting in the Liston on 16 August Light Fantastic was victorious but Weekend Hussler followed that up with a solid win in the Memsie on 30 August. Light Fantastic hasn’t raced since the Liston but trainer Mick Price is very happy with the horse. It is probably a good quinella race and will be great race to watch.

The best of the rest appear to be the two mares Zarita and Riva San, and Dealer Principal. Zarita and Dealer Principal are on the third line of betting at $18 in the early market, while Riva San is $26, the same as Efficient.

The Makybe Diva Stakes was called the Craiglee Stakes prior to 2007 and was first run in 1948. Notable winners include Northerly (2002), Sky Heights (1999), Mahogany (1994), Mannerism (1993), Dulcify (1979), Ming Dynasty (1977), Gay Icarus (1973), rain Lover (1969), Tobin Bronze (1966), Light Fingers (1965), and Comic Court (1949).

by Jo Jackson

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