Makybe Diva Stakes 2025 Preview
The Makybe Diva Stakes 2025
The Makybe Diva Stakes is a Group 1 Thoroughbred horse race held each September at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne. Run over 1,600 metres the race is open to horses aged three years and older. It marks one of the first major mile contests of the spring and often signals the return of top-class gallopers stepping out early in their campaigns.
When is Makybe Diva Stakes 2025?
The 2025 Makybe Diva Stakes is scheduled for Saturday 13th September. As always, the race takes place at Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne’s premier venue and the home of champions.
Who Won Last Year’s Makybe Diva Stakes?
The 2024 Makybe Diva Stakes was won by Mr Brightside, producing a brilliant performance to storm home against a high-quality field.
Race History
Originally known as the Craiglee Stakes, the race was renamed in 2007 to honour the champion mare Makybe Diva, who famously won three consecutive Melbourne Cups from 2003 to 2005.
The Makybe Diva Stakes has grown in stature and now serves as a key lead-up to races like the Underwood Stakes, Caulfield Stakes, and Cox Plate. Held at Flemington, the wide straight allows horses a fair chance and often results in a true test of class and fitness.
Previous Winners of the Makybe Diva Stakes
The race has seen some outstanding winners in recent years. Mr Brightside claimed victory in 2024 and 2023, as he made his rise through the ranks of Australia’s top milers. In 2022, I’m Thunderstruck produced a barnstorming finish, while Incentivise was dominant in 2021 on his way to becoming a spring carnival star. Fierce Impact won in 2020, and Gatting caused a major upset in 2019 when he knocked off a quality field at odds of about $126!
Other Winners
Other notable past winners include Humidor, Dissident, and the great Northerly. The Makybe Diva Stakes continues to attract genuine Group 1 performers and is often a strong form reference for the rest of the carnival. With its place early in the spring, it sets the tone for the major races to come.
Latest on the Makybe Diva Stakes
The superstar of Aussie racing Via Sistina looks set to go offer at short odds in what is a reduced sized field this year. Whilst there might only be 6 runners it looks to be a stern test for her as she takes on Mr Brightside, Tom Kitten, Antino and stablemate Aeliana. Mark Twain is also in the field but this looks to be a class above his level.
The interesting runner in the race is Aeliana who showed plenty when finishing narrowly second to Via Sistina when last out. Expectations are these two will fight out the finish again so the suggested bet here is to play the quinella 5×6.
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