Form analyst, RIC CHAPMAN, looks at every runner in Saturday’s Group 1 Maybe Diva Stakes with horse racing tips for the first four. Read on to see how he maps and assesses the race. Good luck, punters!
Flemington R8 – $1m G1 Â Maybe Diva Stakes 1600m
1. SIR DRAGONET (8) 16x794159x
T: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace/J: Ben Allen (59kg)
What a good horse. He has won two big Gr 1 races and won them brilliantly – the Cox Plate and the Tancred Stakes. He doesn’t mind it damp underfoot either. Doesn’t have form at this trip and being a stallion he might not be too keen with a few attractive mares in the field. But if he turns up to race, he can win.
2. FIFTY STARS (13) 2x720872x0
T: Tom Dabernig / J: John Allen (59kg)
Is his best form behind him? Didn’t do much when resuming last start when 10th to Behemoth a fortnight ago. Does reserve his best for this track though and has won a pair of Gr 1 races here. And he likes this trip. Probably will be making good ground late.
3. KEIAI NAUTIQUE (10) 4654x300x4
T: Matt Smith / J: Craig Newitt (59kg)
Class galloper from Japan who excels at this journey. Has run this distance in Japan faster than any of these horses have run it here. On Aussie debut last start over 1400m, he rocketed home from near last to just fail behind Mo’unga in Gr 1 Winx over 1400m. If he has improved he will win this. Big show.
4. IMAGING (9) 303x2007x7
T: Chris Waller / J: Damien Thornton (59kg)
This bloke is another solid on pace galloper who is capable on his day. Resumed in that Gr 1 Winx and was less than 2 lengths behind Mo’unga at the end. Fitter now and can place.
5. MOUNT POPA (6) 3x41x211x0
T: Team Hawkes / J: Fred Kersley (59kg)
This bloke may be the knock out horse. He goes well at this trip and has a very impressive 2nd up record. He is 2nd up here after being beaten just on 3 lengths when resuming in the Gr 1 Winx over 1400m. Gets up on pace normally and should give these a run for their money.
6. INCENTIVISE (3) x68111111x
T: Peter Moody / J: Brett Prebble (59kg)
Interesting galloper. Not sure what to make of him. Six months ago he was 2nd last in an Ipswich maiden. Then won 6 in a row looking like Zaaki. Just exploded away when he turned and won by huge margins. He hasn’t raced horses like this however and this isn’t his best distance but the improvement curve he made last campaign was simply astonishing.
7. EXPLOSIVE JACK (1) 151132113x
T: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace / J: Harry Coffee (58.5kg)
Strong stayer and is on target to win the Gr 1 Melbourne Cup. Has won over 1600m and is already a 2 x Gr 1 winner against his own age. Did nothing in a recent trial but wasn’t asked to either. Lots of eyes on him to see how he goes in this. Likely to run on gamely. Big show.
8. JOHNNY GET ANGRY (2) 0329431×0
T: Denis Pagan/ J: Lachlan King (58.5kg)
Good stayer who is a Gr 1 winner against his own age but over a much longer trip. Thrashed when resuming last start over 1200m. This is more his liking and he has finishing power. Won his Gr 1 at this track. Place.
9. AEGON (4) 111x1160x4
T: Murray Baker & Andy Forsman / J: Luke Currie (58.5kg)
Is interesting. Very smart on his day. Comes from New Zealand with a good record this trip, has run fast time, and is brilliant 2nd up. He goes into this 2nd up after an eye-catching run for 4th to Behemoth last start in Gr 1 Memsie over 1400m. Drawn well and has a great deal of talent.
10. MO’UNGA (11) 17x32107x1
T: Annabel Neasham/ J: bye McNeil (58.5kg)
Tough, solid, it factor horse. Has won 5 races to date and they include at Gr 1 level at this trip against his peers, and last start’s 1400m win of the Gr 1 Winx where he ran fast time and sprouted wings late. Wins this if he runs like that.
11. COLETTE (12) 61x12454x6
T: James Cummings /J: Damien Oliver (57kg)
Raced wide and did a great job to flash home into 6th spot when resuming last start over 1400m in Gr 1 behind Behemoth. Ran the champ Verry Elleegant to a nose this trip at Gr 1 level when last in work and goes well 2nd up. Â Does appear to be extra good and likes to get back then charge late.
12. TOFANE (7) 597x7211x3
T: Michael Moroney / J: Craig Williams (57kg)
Will she run a mile at Gr 1 level? That’s the burning question although she did look like she could when resuming and making good ground late when 3rd in the Gr 1 Memsie behind Behemoth. Has run super fast time to win  Gr 1 races over 1400m, each time finishing the race off very hard and is bred to get the trip.
13. INSPIRATIONAL GIRL (5) x1131112x5
T: Danny O’Brien / J: Damian Lane (57kg)
Class galloper and capable winning this. Has an impeccable record 2nd up winning all 3 races. Last start was a good 5th in the Gr 1 Memsie behind Behemoth making solid ground late and will be better suited this track. Has won at Gr 1 level this trip in fast time. Big show.
Tip: Tips: 1. MO’UNGA, Â 2. Tofane, 3. Colette, 4. Keiai Nautique
