Makybe Diva Stakes – 2021

Track: Good Weather: Overcast

There are thirteen acceptors for the $1,000,000 Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes.  Eight geldings, two entires and three mares make up the field.  Ciaron Maher & David Eustace have two runners.  Five of these had their last start in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield while three others ran in the Winx Stakes at Randwick on August 21.

The early favourite in the betting is Incentivise.  He is the current Caulfield Cup favourite and has won his last six starts.  On the second line of betting is Mo’unga & Tofane.  Mo’unga is a talented four year old who won the Winx Stakes first up at Randwick & Tofane is a three time Group 1 winner who finished third in the Memsie Stakes on resumption.

Inspirational Girl and Aegon were similar runs in the Memsie first up – both hit the line well.  The former Japanese gelding Keiai Nautique was an eye catcher in the Winx Stakes at his first Australian start, while Colette appears to have come back well but she may be looking for softer ground.  The remaining runners are longer than $20-1.

1. Sir Dragonet

Last years Cox Plate winner resumes here with one trial under his belt.  He took a couple of runs to get going in the Autumn and I would prefer to watch him first up.

2. Fifty Stars

Has ten wins and seven placings from thirty four starts and is a dual Group 1 winner at Flemington.  He strips fitter here second up after an okay first up run was.  Can consider for multiples.

3. Keiai Nautique

Former Japanese runner now with Matthew Smith.  She ran on very strongly from back in the Winx Stakes first up and I like that she has trialled in between runs.  Each way claims at the double figure quote.

4. Imaging

Chris Waller trained runner.  He was okay first up in the Winx Stakes and is usually competitive at this level.  Consider for multiples.

5. Mount Popa

Lightly raced seven year old gelding who comes via a first up run in the Winx Stakes at Randwick.  He looked like dropping out to run last there but got going again late to be beaten less than four lengths.  Prefer him at 2000m +.

6. Incentivise

Now under the care of Peter Moody at Caulfield, this five year old gelding has won his last six in a row and his last four all by seven + lengths!  He wasn’t asked to do much in a recent Cranbourne trial and while he is being set for the Caulfield Cup the early market support suggests we can expect a forward showing first up.  A leading contender here.

7. Explosive Jack

One of four 4 year olds in the field.  He won the Australian Derby, South Australian Derby & Tasmanian Derby earlier in the year.  Would imagine this is just a pipe opener first up over the mile, another you can look for at 2000m & beyond.

8. Johnny Get Angry

Won the Victoria Derby here over 2500m last November.  He was beaten a long way first up and needs further than this.

9. Aegon

This four year old gelding has five wins from eight starts.  He finished off well in the Memsie first up.  He is in the mix, however firm ground is still some query.

10. Mo’unga

Now a dual Group 1 winner after he was able to capitalise on the right run to win the Group 1 Winx Stakes at Randwick first up.   He defeated Verry Elleegant which reads well for this.  Looks to have a great each way chance here.

11. Colette

Talented mare who wasn’t beaten far in the Memsie first up and is suited getting out to 1600m here with a run under her belt.  She is another who doesn’t want the track too firm.  Look for her storming home out wide.

12. Tofane

Won the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap & Group 1 Tatt’s Tiara at Eagle Farm in June.  Resumed in the Memsie and ran a good third.  Gets to the mile for the first time here – if she runs the trip she can figure in the finish.

13. Inspirational Girl

This former Western Australian mare now under the care of Danny O’Brien has nine wins and three placings from thirteen starts.  She ran well first up in the Memsie and is unbeaten second up.  She maps looks to find a good spot in the run and I am expecting her to run well.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
6. Incentivise	6. Incentivise
12. Tofane	10. Mo’unga
10. Mo’unga	3. Keiai Nautique
3. Keiai Nautique	13. Inspirational Girl

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings: 13. Inspirational Girl

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	6. Incentivise
2nd	10. Mo’unga	0.3 length
3rd	1. Sir Dragonet	0.4 length
4th	12. Tofane	1.15 lengths