G1 Makybe Diva Stakes Preview

Champion miler who simply loves this race, having won the past three editions of the Makybe Diva Stakes. Returned with a typically brave effort in the Memsie and will be fitter second-up. Age is the only query, but it would be no surprise to see him right in the finish again.

High-quality stayer who looks set for another major spring campaign. The mile is likely to be on the short side at this stage of his preparation and he’ll be better suited once he gets over more ground. Expect him to be finding the line strongly without surprising if a few sharper rivals have his measure.

Australian Cup winner who brings genuine Group 1 credentials into this contest. The mile is well within his range, though he may still be building towards longer targets later in the spring. Class will take him a long way, but he may find a few of the specialist milers a touch sharper here.

Outstanding weight-for-age performer who announced himself among the elite with his Queen Elizabeth Stakes victory in the autumn. Resumes here but has looked sharp in recent trials and brings an undeniable class edge. The mile is short of his best, though he’s good enough to make a winning return.

Ultra-consistent galloper who rarely runs a bad race at the top level and has proven himself a genuine weight-for-age performer. The mile suits and he should strip fitter for his return, but he can sometimes find one or two slightly sharper. Still commands plenty of respect.

Talented galloper with a quality record and capable of measuring up at this level on his day. Was below his best first-up and this shapes as another difficult assignment against a strong weight-for-age field. May find a few of these possessing superior credentials.

Has shown glimpses of top-class ability throughout his career, but his recent form has been well below his best. Needs to bounce back in a big way and this looks a tough race to rediscover his peak form. Would need significant improvement to trouble the leading contenders.

Promising galloper who took on some quality opposition last preparation and showed he belongs. Faces a substantial rise in class here and needs to improve on his first-up effort. Prefer to see him against slightly easier company.

High-class mare who developed into a genuine Group 1 performer during the autumn and has the talent to measure up in elite company. Her first-up run was better than it looks on paper and she should take sharp improvement from it. Looks one of the major chances if she returns to her best.

Outstanding mare who has already built an impressive record and continues to compete well against elite opposition. Loves Flemington and should be nearing her peak fitness now. Draws a strong assignment, but she has the class to be right in the finish.

Tough mare who has built a strong record and rarely runs poorly, particularly once she gets over more ground. Resumes here over a mile and may find a few of these a touch sharp first-up. Likely to improve as the distances increase deeper into the spring.

Exceptional mare who exploded onto the Group 1 scene last preparation with victories in the Randwick Guineas and Doncaster Mile. Returned with a strong effort in the Winx Stakes and will relish stepping back to a mile. Looks the horse they all have to beat.

Australian Oaks winner who possesses plenty of talent, but this looks a searching test first-up against proven weight-for-age performers. The mile is well short of her preferred distances and she may find the tempo a little sharp. Expected to improve as she gets deeper into her spring campaign.