Group 1 racing returns to Flemington this weekend, with the running of the 1600m Makybe Diva Stakes set to headline a huge day of racing at the track.
Mr Brightside will be looking to continue his winning ways and looks set to start as a short-priced favourite, while the likes of Alligator Blood and Osipenko will also feature over the mile.
With the spring carnival well and truly underway and plenty of major events on the horizon, this promises to be a good preview for some of Melbourne's biggest spring races.
The Sporting News has all the tips, preview and analysis for the Makybe Diva Stakes below.
Makybe Diva Stakes 2023 final field, barriers and betting odds
The final field for this year's Makybe Diva Stakes has been confirmed, with Mr Brightside the overwhelming favourite to continue its winning ways with Craig Williams in the saddle.
Odds courtesy of Dabble, correct as of September 15th. WHAT'S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU?
| Runner (Barrier) | Jockey | Trainer | Odds |
| 1. Mr Brightside (2) | Craig Williams | Ben & JD Hayes | $1.90 |
| 2. Alligator Blood (4) | Damien Oliver | G.Waterhouse/A.Bott | $4.00 |
| 3. Spanish Mission (6) | Luke Nolen | P.Moody/K.Coleman | $51 |
| 4. Aegon (5) | Michael Dee | Andrew Forsman | $21 |
| 5. Francesco Guardi (3) | Damian Lane | Chris Waller | $26 |
| 6. Osipenko (1) | Mark Zahra | Chris Waller | $12 |
| 7. Princess Grace (7) | Blake Shinn | Chris Waller | $4.80 |
Makybe Diva Stakes 2023 betting preview
Heading into the race with a seven-horse field and a less than even-money favourite, meaning there is no third dividend payouts, makes this a tricky race to predict or have a wager on.
Mr Brightside ($1.95) has all the form behind it to take this out in a canter, winning his past four races on the trot including an impressive display in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes a fortnight ago.
Sitting behind the six-year-old gelding in the market is Alligator Blood ($3.90), who performed admirably in a losing effort in the G1 Memsie but is capable of much better, while Princess Grace ($4.40) will be nearing peak fitness in her third start and is a proven winner over the mile.
Osipenko ($11) is a previous Group 2 winner and has received some support in betting, while the likes of Francesco Guardi ($31) and Aegon ($23) are outside chances to win the feature event at Flemington.
According to the crew at The Leg Up Australia, the small field for the Group 1 clash is a 'disappointing' outcome, but they don't believe the favourite is a "put in, take out" situation for punters and there are three clear chances.
They believe the speed could favour Alligator Blood and with Damien Oliver on deck, it could be too tough a task for Mr Brightside to run down late in the race, who could jump at bigger odds than its currently slated. Osipenko and Princess Grace were also tipped to run a solid race, while Francesco Guardi will be hoping for longer distances.
“This is Alligator Blood’s race... he’s gonna be fit and if they’re going to snag a Group 1 this prep, it’s probably this one," Sam Wood said.
"Mr Brightside didn’t have the perfect run last start… if Alligator Blood comes into this, next step up in distance and takes fitness from that first run and if it can control the race, he’ll be very difficult to mow down late."
THE LEG UP'S EXPERT TIP: Alligator Blood ($4.00)
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