Cascadian primed to challenge I’m Thunderstruck in Makybe Diva

September 9, 2022 10:47 am.

Cascadian will be out to win his third Group 1 when he lines up in the Makybe Diva Stakes on Saturday at Flemington. (George Sal/Racing Photos)

James Cummings has declared that Cascadian is “one of the main dangers” to I’m Thunderstruck in Saturday’s Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington.

The eight-year-old ran a fast-finishing third behind Snapdancer and I’m Thunderstruck first-up in the Memsie Stakes over 1400m, so the Godolphin trainer is hopeful that an extra 200m can see his flashy chestnut go a couple better this time around.

I’m Thunderstruck is currently the $2.40 favourite with online bookmakers, while Cascadian is a $6.50 chance.

In the Memsie Stakes, Cascadian ran a quicker final 400m and 200m than his rival, which has jockey Blake Shinn believing that if he didn’t get into trouble early in the race, he could have won the race.

Drawn in barrier seven on Saturday, the son of New Approach is likely to be out of trouble and allowed to race a touch closer to the lead, which could see things fall his way.

READ HORSEBETTING’S MAKYBE DIVA STAKES BETTING PREVIEW

“He (Blake Shinn) was really pleased with the horse, he just got squeezed up at the beginning, so the horse was a position or two further back than Blake would have loved to have been,” Cummings said.

“He followed I’m Thunderstruck through and claimed third spot in the Memsie and the winner was snapped up for The Everest, so the race rated well and the form looks pretty solid coming out of it.

“Cascadian has come on nicely from the run, we haven’t had to do too much with him.

“He’s a pretty athletic horse and tends to run pretty good races at Flemington, so I can see him running another good race and hopefully things fall into his lap and the race is there for him to win.

“He’s got the right form line to be one of the main dangers to the favourite.”