Makybe Diva Stakes
Makybe Diva Stakes
Group One Betting Guide
| Date: | Saturday, September 13, 2025 |
| Location: | Flemington Racecourse – Melbourne, Victoria |
| Prize Money: | $750,000 |
| Distance: | 1600m |
Named in honour of the three-time Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva, the Makybe Diva Stakes is one of the early Group 1 events of the Melbourne spring.
The 1600m feature is run at Melbourne’s premier race track Flemington in mid-September and gained its Group 1 level status in 2013. It was originally named the Craiglee Stakes up until 2006 when Racing Victoria changed the name.
Due to the middle distance of the mile, the Makybe Diva Stakes winners list features a wide-range of thoroughbreds that includes sprinters, middle distance horses and stayers.
2010 Melbourne Cup winner Shocking used the Makybe Diva in its preparation and trainers have since used it as a key lead into the Melbourne Cup. Makybe Diva Stakes betting is open for months in advance of the race, with bookies generally framing a futures market.
Other races on Makybe Diva Stakes day include the Bobbie Lewis Quality and the Lets Elope Stakes.
2025 Makybe Diva Stakes betting odds
Betting odds for the 2025 Makybe Diva Stakes are currently unavailable.
Best bookmakers for the Makybe Diva Stakes
Most bookmakers will open markets for the Makybe Diva Stakes in July/August, once all the nominations are received. This can differ depending on the bookmaker, so keep checking in with our bookmakers listed below for updated markets.
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Latest Makybe Diva Stakes News
Betting statistics for the Makybe Diva Stakes
In the last 38 years, only 15 favourites have won the Makybe Diva Stakes, with a further 11 having filled a placing. This means the Makybe Diva Stakes betting has been somewhat of a money-pit for punters over the years.
Only five of the last 14 favourites, Mr Brightside (2023) I’m Thunderstruck (2022), Incentivise (2021), Fierce Impact (2020) and Dissident (2014) have won with an average price of $3.05 which makes the group one a wide-open affair where favourites don’t have a good record.
Four of the last 12 favourites have failed to finish in the first three and an incredible nine horses in the last 34 years have won paying in double figures. The average price for those winners is $19.75 which made certain punters extremely happy.
Some of the favoured runners that suffered defeat include: Lights Of Heaven ($1.90), Our Smoking Joe ($3), Baryshnikov ($1.90), Super Impose ($3), Typhoon Tracey ($2.05) and Apache Cat ($1.80).
Those are some champions that failed to win the Makybe Diva Stakes at short odds, but there have been some favourites win as well. We must not leave out Dissident ($1.82), Weekend Hussler ($1.90), Northerly ($2.15) and Sky Heights ($2.20).
Those names are synonymous with Australian racing and punters have to make sure they are betting on a champion to ensure their money is safe.
Punters should also note that the rail and a middle barrier draw is the most successful. There have been six winners from both barrier six and barrier one.
2025 Makybe Diva Stakes Final Field
HorseBetting will update this page when the 2025 Makybe Diva Stakes final field is released.
Previous Makybe Diva Stakes Fields
Plenty of Group 1 superstars have gone around in the Makybe Diva Stakes as they kick off their spring campaigns. Check the previous fields of the Makybe Diva Stakes out here.
1. Mr Brightside (4)
- T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes
- J: Craig Williams
- W: 59kg
- F: 2×352
- Age: 7YO
- Colour: Bay
- Sex: Gelding
- Sire: Bullbars
- Dam: Lilahjay (NZ)
2. Pinstriped (8)
- T: Enver Jusufovic
- J: Ben Allen
- W: 59kg
- F: 12x0x
- Age: 6YO
- Colour: Chestnut
- Sex: Gelding
- Sire: Street Boss (USA)
- Dam: Snitzel Blitz
3. Circle Of Fire (2)
- T: Ciaron Maher
- J: Mark Zahra
- W: 59kg
- F: x1144
- Age: 5YO
- Colour: Bay
- Sex: Horse
- Sire: Almanzor (FR)
- Dam: Fiery Sunset (GB)
4. Antino (6)
- T: Tony Gollan
- J: Blake Shinn
- W: 59kg
- F: 4×061
- Age: 6YO
- Colour: Brown
- Sex: Gelding
- Sire: Redwood (GB)
- Dam: Mahamaya (NZ)
5. Warmonger (3)
- T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr)
- J: Michael Dee
- W: 58.5kg
- F: x1252
- Age: 4YO
- Colour: Brown
- Sex: Gelding
- Sire: War Decree (USA)
- Dam: Princess Sapphire (NZ)
6. Pride Of Jenni (7)
- T: Ciaron Maher
- J: Declan Bates
- W: 57kg
- F: 5×121
- Age: 7YO
- Colour: Bay
- Sex: Mare
- Sire: Pride of Dubai
- Dam: Sancerre (NZ)
7. Atishu (5)
- T: Chris Waller
- J: Damian Lane
- W: 57kg
- F: 9×231
- Age: 7YO
- Colour: Brown
- Sex: Mare
- Sire: Savabeel
- Dam: Posy (NZ)
No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Mr Brightside Ben, Will & JD Hayes Craig Williams 2 59kg 2 Alligator Blood Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Damien Oliver 4 59kg 3 Spanish Mission Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman Luke Nole 6 59kg 4 Aegon Andrew Forsman Michael Dee 5 59kg 5 Francesco Guardi Chris Waller Damian Lane 3 59kg 6 Osipenko Chris Waller Mark Zahra 1 58.5kg 7 Princess Grace Chris Waller Blake Shinn 7 57kg No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 I’m Thunderstruck Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr Mark Zahra 1 59kg 2 Cascadian James Cummings Blake Shinn 7 59kg 3 Regal Power Danny O’Brien Damien Oliver 3 59kg 4 Alligator Blood Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Tim Clark 2 59kg 5 Mo’unga Annabel Neasham Jamie Kah 8 59kg 6 Nonconformist Grahame Begg Jordan Childs 6 59kg 7 Western Empire Danny O’Brien Damian Lane 5 59kg 8 She’s Ideel Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Ben Melham 4 57kg No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Sir Dragonet Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Ben Allen 8 59kg 2 Fifty Stars Tom Dabernig John Allen 13 59kg 3 Keiai Nautique Matthew Smith Craig Newitt 10 59kg 4 Imaging Chris Waller Damien Thornton 9 59kg 5 Mount Popa Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes Fred Kersley 6 59kg 6 Incentivise Peter Moody Brett Prebble 3 59kg 7 Explosive Jack Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Harry Coffey 1 58.5kg 8 Johnny Get Angry Denis Pagan Lachlan King 2 58.5kg 9 Aegon Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman Luke Currie 4 58.5kg 10 Mo’unga Annabel Neasham Jye McNeil 11 58.5kg 11 Colette James Cummings Damien Oliver 12 57kg 12 Tofane Mike Moroney Craig Williams 7 57kg 13 Inspirational GirlDanny O’BrienDamian Lane557kgNo. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Vow And Declare Danny O’Brien Craig Williams 11 59kg 2 Gailo Chop Matthew Smith John Allen 3 59kg 3 Harlem Tom Dabernig & Ben Hayes Jamie Mott 6 59kg 4 Fierce Impact Matthew Smith Mark Zahra 5 59kg 5 Gatting Peter Moody Luke Nolen 4 59kg 6 Levendi Peter Gelagotis Jason Maskiell 1 59kg 7 Kings Will Dream Chris Waller Jye McNeil 15 59kg 8 So Si Bon Tom Dabernig & Ben Hayes Daniel Stackhouse 16 59kg 9 Master Of Wine Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes Michael Rodd 10 59kg 10 Warning Anthony & Sam Freedman Billy Egan 9 58.5kg 11 Dalasan Leon Macdonald & Andrew Gluyas Jordan Childs 8 58.5kg 12 Quick Thinker Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman Michael Dee 13 58.5kg 13 Russian Camelot Danny O’Brien Damien Oliver 14 57.5kg 14 Perfect Jewel Grant & Alana Williams William Pike 2 57kg 15 Princess Jenni David Brideoake Ethan Brown 12 57kg 16 Miami Bound Danny O’Brien Ben Melham 7 56.5kg
2024 Makybe Diva Stakes result
1st – Mr Brightside (+250)
2nd – Pride Of Jenni (-142.86)
3rd – Antino (+130)
Recent Makybe Diva Stakes winners
- Mr Brightside went back-to-back in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington, giving his trainers Ben, Will & JD Hayes another Group 1 victory early in their training careers. Affectionately known as Mr B, the son of Bullbars has become the third horse in history to win successive Makybe Diva Stakes, joining Chiquita (1950 & 1951) and Sailor’s Guide (1956 & 1957) as the only horses to win the race multiple times. As expected, Pride Of Jenni took up the lead and careered away to lead by over four lengths at one stage, while Antino and the eventual winner tracked up behind the mare. Declan Bates went for the leader before the home turn, and as soon as she gave a kick, Mr Brightside started to work home nicely, passing Antino with ease by the 250m mark. The race favourite with top horse racing bookmakers, Via Sistina, never really got into the race, leaving Mr B and Pride Of Jenni to fight out the finish as he began to wear her down late. Mr Brightside took over in the shadows of the post and held on to claim one of his best victories of his 36-start career.
- Mr Brightside ($1.80) has continued his dominance in the spring with a stunning performance to win the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington. Craig Williams produced an elite steer from barrier two, allowing the short-priced favourite to drop his head in the one-one position throughout the 1600m weight-for-age feature. Meanwhile, it was left to Damien Oliver aboard Alligator Blood ($3.60) to dictate terms up on-speed with Princess Grace ($5.50) travelling up to sit outside the lead. They only went at a moderate clip allowing Alligator Blood to give a kick turning into the Flemington straight; however, Craig Williams was hot on the heels of the ‘gator, going straight past the five-time Group 1 winner to secure a dominant victory. Osipenko ($14.00) put in a much-improved effort, while Francesco Guardi looks on track for further the Cups races later down the line.
- Having flashed home for second in the Memsie Stakes first-up, it looked destined to be a similar story for I’m Thunderstruck in the 2022 Makybe Diva when Alligator Blood kicked for home inside the final furlong. However, aided by an inch-perfect steer from Mark Zahra, I’m Thunderstruck thundered home late to claim victory by the barest of margins and bought up a second win at the highest level.
- Having opened a $7.50 chance in the 2021 Makybe Diva Stakes final field markets, the Peter Moody-trained Incentivise staked his claim as a genuine Cup contender when leading all the way in the Makybe Diva Stakes. Having dominated the QLD Winter Racing Carnival, all eyes were on Incentivise and whether he could measure up at Group 1 level in Melbourne en route to a Melbourne Cup start. He silenced those doubts in remarkable fashion, going on to beat last start Winx Stakes winner Mo’unga and the 2020 Cox Plate winner Sir Dragonet in a field that consisted of 10 previous Group 1 winners.
- The 2020 Makybe Diva Stakes was expected to be a battle between Russian Camelot and Fierce Impact. It was the Matthew Smith-trained Fierce Impact who had the last laugh when defeating Russian Camelot in a ding-dong battle over the final furlong. The Russian was forced to do it the hard way after being 3/4 wide without cover the entire race, whilst Fierce Impact saved plenty of ground along the inside half of the track. It was Fierce Impact’s third Group 1 win, after suffering a narrow defeat in the Winx Stakes at his previous start.
- When Gatting saluted at odds of $101 it was one of the biggest upsets in Group 1 history. The Darren McCauliffe-trained gelding’s win handed Jamie Kah her second Group 1 win and was the last win of Gatting’s career. Race favourite Mystic Journey loomed up to Gatting’s girth with 300m to go, but it was the roughie who found another gear to kick clear and cause the boil-over.
- Grunt was well in commission a month in advance of the Makybe Diva Stakes but poor lead-in form led the punters to desert him. What a mistake that would prove to be. After traveling well throughout the race Grunt zoomed past long time leader Black Heart Bart and the 400m and put pay to the field, which was as good as any you’ll see in the 2018 spring. Melbourne Cup hopeful Kings Will Dream ran well into second while New Zealand star Jon Snow clung on gamely for third.
- Humidor created a big upset when launching late to beat $1.70 race favourite Hartnell. Former New Zealand runner Humidor wasn’t expected to hit top gear in a fresh state, but the group one winner sprouted wings down the Flemington straight to record and effortless victory. Hartnell battled on well for second, but it was an under par performance from the horse that was on the second line of the Cox Plate betting.
- Darren Weir-trained both first and second, with four year old Palentino Saluting from Black Heart Bart, who was the more fancied of the two runners with punters. Black Heart Bart had previously won the Memsie Stakes first up. Jumping at $2.05, Black Heart Bart hit the front at the top of the straight, but was a sitting duck for Mark Zahra and Palentino, who paid $9. He or she finished further back in third. Our full report.
- Fawkner had been withdrawn from the Memsie Stakes because of a poor barrier draw, but overcame a lack of a preparation race to win the Makybe Diva. The eight year old was ridden by Damien Oliver, who sent her forward early to overcome barrier 11. Oliver kept Fawkner close to the lead and eventually hit the front at the 200m mark. Rising Romance and Entirely Platinum pushed all the way but in the end it was Fawkner by a half neck.
- Dissident made it back to back group 1 wins in this race. Sitting second mid-race behind Messene, with a huge gap over the rest of the field, the pair slowed at the 600m mark. Around the behind Dissident moved up to Messene with the field charging behind. Fawkner was the main threat and finished hard but the $2.70 favourite held on for a great victory with Ben Melham onboard. Peter Moody was the trainer.
- Foreteller and Craig Newitt were victorious with the win paying straight up punters $15. Puissance De Lune (the Melbourne Cup favourite that year) was all the rage, jumping at $2.35. Foreteller, trained by Chris Waller, knocked Puissance De Lune off in the final few strides of the race, with another stayer Moudre ($91) back in third.
Makybe Diva Stakes winners
| Makybe Diva StakesPast Winners | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Horse | Jockey | Trainer |
| 2024 | Mr Brightside | Craig Williams | Ben, Will & JD Hayes |
| 2023 | Mr Brightside | Craig Williams | Ben, Will & JD Hayes |
| 2022 | I’m Thunderstruck | Mark Zahra | Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr |
| 2021 | Incentivise | Brett Prebble | Brett Prebble |
| 2020 | Fierce Impact | Mark Zhara | Matthew Smith |
| 2019 | Gatting | Jamie Kah | Darren Mcauliffe |
| 2018 | Grunt | Damien Oliver | Mick Price |
| 2017 | Humidor | Damian Lane | Darren Weir |
| 2016 | Palentino | Mark Zahra | Darren Weir |
| 2015 | Fawkner | Damien Oliver | Robert Hickmott |
| 2014 | Dissident | Ben Melham | Peter Moody |
| 2013 | Foreteller | Craig Newitt | Chris Waller |
| 2012 | Southern Speed | Craig Williams | Leon Macdonald & Andrew Gluyas |
| 2011 | Littorio | Craig Williams | Nigel Blackiston |
| 2010 | Shocking | Michael Rodd | Mark Kavanagh |
| 2009 | Vigor | Damien Oliver | Damien Oliver |
| 2008 | Weekend Hussler | Brad Rawiller | Ross McDonald |
| 2007 | Marasco | Darren Beadman | Fred Kersley |
| 2006 | Pompeii Ruler | Craig Newitt | Mick Price |
| 2005 | Confectioner | Craig Williams | David Hayes |
| 2004 | Hugs Dancer | Greg Childs | Tony McEvoy |
| 2003 | Pentastic | Steven Arnold | David Hall |
| 2002 | Northerly | Greg Childs | Fred Kersley |
| 2001 | Native Jazz | Brett Prebble | Myles Plumb |
| 2000 | Go Flash | Neville Wilson | John Blakey |
Makybe Diva Stakes winners pre-2000
| Makybe Diva Stakes Past Winners Pre 2000 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Horse | ||
| 1999 | Sky Heights | ||
| 1998 | Umrum | ||
| 1997 | Marble Halls | ||
| 1996 | Saleous | ||
| 1995 | Jeune | ||
| 1994 | Mahogany | ||
| 1993 | Mannerism | ||
| 1992 | Star Of The Realm | ||
| 1991 | Durbridge | ||
| 1990 | Zabeel | ||
| 1989 | Apollo Run | ||
| 1988 | High Regard | ||
| 1987 | Military Plume | ||
| 1986 | King Phoenix | ||
| 1985 | Fine Offer | ||
| 1984 | Prolific | ||
| 1983 | Pleach | ||
| 1982 | Rose Of Kingston | ||
| 1981 | Sovereign Red | ||
| 1980 | Big Print | ||
| 1979 | Dulcify | ||
| 1978 | Family Of Man | ||
| 1977 | Ming Dynasty | ||
| 1976 | How Now | ||
| 1975 | Tontonan | ||
| 1974 | All Shot | ||
| 1973 | Gay Icarus | ||
| 1972 | Gossiper | ||
| 1971 | Dual Choice | ||
| 1970 | Gay Poss | ||
| 1969 | Rain Lover | ||
| 1968 | Lowland | ||
| 1967 | Star Belle | ||
| 1966 | Tobin Bronze | ||
| 1965 | Light Fingers | ||
| 1964 | Sir Dane | ||
| 1963 | Havelock | ||
| 1962 | Aquanita | ||
| 1961 | Lord | ||
| 1960 | Nilarco | ||
| 1959 | Vogel | ||
| 1958 | White Hills | ||
| 1957 | Sailor’s Guide | ||
| 1956 | Sailor’s Guide | ||
| 1955 | Cromis | ||
| 1954 | Acramitis | ||
| 1953 | Aldershot | ||
| 1952 | Great Western | ||
| 1951 | Chicquita | ||
| 1950 | Chicquita | ||
| 1949 | Comic Court | ||
| 1948 | Lungi | ||
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