Makybe Diva Stakes 2026 Barrier Draw & Final Field

The Makybe Diva Stakes final field for 2026 has been confirmed, and it’s a stellar field for the Group 1 feature this Saturday at Flemington.

The Makybe Diva Stakes barrier draw is out, and some of the favoured runners have drawn well for the 1600m feature race.

Makybe Diva Stakes Final Field & Barrier Draw

Flemington R8 – Crown Makybe Diva Stakes (G1)

Open Race time:

	1. Mr Brightside (2) J: Blake Shinn 59kg 125×2T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes	9.00WIN 2.10PLACE
Second run back. First-up after 10 months sat on the pace when 2nd of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 29 over 1400m, on a slow track; 3 len behind Beiwacht with 59kg at $21. Previously second-up won by 1.5 len in the G1 Makybe Diva Stakes at this track on September 13 over 1600m defeating Aeliana with 59kg at $5. Going for the four-peat in this race and was brave as ever fresh.
	2. Half Yours (10) J: Jamie Melham 59kg 9444xT: Tony & Calvin Mcevoy	31.00WIN 4.60PLACE
Resuming after a break of three months. Finished off last campaign fourth of 9 at Eagle Farm in the G2 Q22 Wfa June 13 over 2200m, in the wet; 3 len behind Royal Supremacy with 59kg at $2.35. Previously first up; ninth of 13 at Randwick in the G1 All Aged April 18 over 1400m, 4 len behind Beiwacht with 59kg at $26. Cups champ who will only be getting warm late.
	3. Light Infantry Man (1) J: Ethan Brown 59kg 415×4T: Ciaron Maher	41.00WIN 5.50PLACE
Second-up. First-up after four months 4th of 8 in a Bm100 at Caulfield on August 15 over 1600m, on a slow track; 2 len behind Darkbonee carrying 60kg at $3.40. Previously second-up 4th of 7 in the G2 Peter Young Stakes at Caulfield on March 14 over 1800m, 2 len behind Birdman with 59kg at $4.20. Solid return, probably needs further to show his stamina.
	4. Sir Delius (7) J: Craig Williams 59kg x331xT: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott	4.20WIN 1.45PLACE
Entire returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last campaign by 2.25 len Randwick G1 Queen Eliz April 11 over 2000m defeating Lindermann with 59kg at $6. First up last campaign third of 9 at Randwick in the G1 V Elleegant February 28 over 1600m, soft track; 4 len behind Autumn Glow carrying 59kg at $8. Short of his best but he’s too good to leave out as a genuine hope.
	7. Another Wil (9) J: John Allen 59kg 940×9T: Ciaron Maher	51.00WIN 6.50PLACE
Second-up. First-up after three months got back early 9th of 12 in a Bm100 at Caulfield on August 29 over 1400m, on a slow track; 8 len behind Fancify with 60kg at $8. Previously second-up 4th of 16 in the G1 Kingsford Smith Cup at Eagle Farm on May 30 over 1300m, slow going 0.6 len behind Headley Grange with 59kg at $26. Best seems behind him.
	8. Autumn Boy (3) J: Mark Zahra 58.5kg 212×8T: Chris Waller	18.00WIN 3.20PLACE
Second run back. First-up after five months 8th of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 29 over 1400m, slow going 5 len behind Beiwacht with 58.5kg at $9. Previously second-up 2nd of 9 in the G1 Randwick Guineas on March 7 over 1600m, 3 len behind Sheza Alibi carrying 56.5kg at $3.60. Fair effort fresh, can improve up in trip but place best.
	10. Treasurethe Moment (8) J: Damian Lane 57kg 313×4T: Matt Laurie	10.00WIN 2.25PLACE
Second-up. First-up after five months 4th of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 29 over 1400m, on a slow track; 3.5 len behind Beiwacht with 57kg at $10. Previously second-up won by 2 len in the G2 Sunline Stakes at Caulfield on March 21 over 1600m defeating Astral Flame with 57kg at $1.55. Had right run but good fresh and should come on from that.
	11. She’s A Hustler (4) J: Jordan Childs 57kg 4355xT: Grahame Begg	71.00WIN 8.00PLACE
Resuming. Finished off last preparation fifth of 9 at Eagle Farm in the G2 Q22 Wfa June 13 over 2200m, on rain affected going; 4 len behind Royal Supremacy carrying 57kg at $6. First up last campaign fourth of 11 at Randwick in the G1 Queen Turf April 11 over 1600m, 2.5 len behind Idle Flyer with 57kg at $15. Good mare but this will test.
	12. Sheza Alibi (5) J: Luke Nolen 56.5kg 111×2T: Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman	1.65WIN 1.09PLACE
Second run back. First-up after five months made some head-way from midfield; 2nd of 11 in the G1 Winx Stakes at Randwick on August 22 over 1400m, on a slow track; 1.4 len behind Autumn Glow carrying 56.5kg at $3.50. Previously second-up scored a big 3 len win in the G1 Randwick Guineas on March 7 over 1600m defeating Autumn Boy with 54.5kg at $2.10. Great return, she’ll relish a mile here and is clearly the one to beat.
	13. Ohope Wins (6) J: Jason Collett 56.5kg 141×0T: Chris Waller	101.00WIN 10.00PLACE
Second run back. First-up after four months ran last of 11 in the G2 PB Lawrence Stakes at Caulfield on August 15 over 1400m, slow going 10 len behind Cosmic Crusader with 56.5kg at $41. Previously second-up 5th of 14 at Pukekohe on December 6 over 1600m, slow going 2 len behind Dance The Night with 55kg at $6.50. Didn’t do enough fresh.
	5. Buckaroo (3) Scratched:
	6. Birdman (4) Scratched:
	9. Aeliana (13) Scratched:

Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.neds.com.au/racing. Data retrieved: 11/09/2026 11:25:52 AM (Australia/Brisbane)

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Makybe Diva Stakes Barrier Draw Winners & Losers

The Makybe Diva Stakes barrier draw favours some runners more than others, including star mare Sheza Alibi.

The 4YO mare didn’t jump well off the inside draw at Randwick when flashing home for second behind Autumn Glow, and barrier 7 for Saturday’s feature race should be right up her alley. She looks like to settle just better than midfield before pulling out at the top of the straight and launching her claim over the final 200m.

Barriers to Bet on: Horses starting from barriers 2-8 have shown a higher success rate in the Makybe Diva Stakes in recent history.

Group 1 performers Mr Brightside, Buckaroo, and Birdman have drawn well in 2, 3, and 4, respectively. They will get every chance to win the Makybe Diva Stakes, and they have more experience on their side compared to the favourite.

Not faring well with the Makybe Diva Stakes final field barrier draw was Sir Delius (9) and the subsequently scratched Aeliena (13). Sir Delius will need some luck from the draw in his return, which could see him get too far off the pace.

With Aeliana out, it is last year’s Caulfield and Melbourne Cup winner Half Yours who gets the new outside barrier 12, but he has time to find cover, and connections will be happy to see him hitting the line with bigger targets in mind over the next two months.

Back the big winners in the Makybe Diva Stakes barriers and speed map now!

What to Expect in the 2026 Makybe Diva Stakes

The 2026 Makybe Diva Stakes will come down to race tempo, and it favours a few runners.

We’re looking at Treasurethe Moment and Mr Brightside sitting on-speed, and if they go slowly enough, they should have a good kick at the top of the straight. However, sitting on their hammer will be Sheza Alibi, who has the length of the Flemington straight to reel in the leaders.

Producing a turn-of-foot against established Group 1 horses isn’t easy, but she could be a freak, and we’re not surprised by the money coming for her since markets opened.

The race could also set up for the likes of Autumn Boy and Buckaroo, who will be midfield and ready to launch their claims. If they’re behind Sheza Alibi, it could be tough to peg her back, but if they can settle in front, they’re strong enough to pinch a few lengths on the favourite.

Makybe Diva Stakes Barrier Draw Facts & Trends

The Makybe Diva Stakes has long been a race where the barrier draw matters, with the Flemington mile traditionally rewarding horses that can land a soft spot early. Inside alleys have been the sweet spot, and runners jumping from barriers 1–6 have historically enjoyed the strongest strike‑rate thanks to the long, clean run to the first bend.

Barrier 1 delivered again most recently when Mr Brightside won in 2025, while four winners between 2004 and 2025 have still managed to overcome double‑digit gates, including Humidor from barrier 10 in 2017. Wider draws haven’t been completely out of play either — barrier 14 produced Littorio’s 2011 boilover — and barrier 3 remains the last gate to go back‑to‑back, courtesy of Hug’s Dancer (2004) and Confectioner (2005).

What is the most successful recent Makybe Diva Stakes barrier draw?

Barriers 1 and 6 have both produced four Makybe Diva Stakes winners between 2000 and 2025 most recently Mr Brightside (barrier 1 in 2025) and Grunt (barrier 6 in 2018).

Breakdown of winning Makybe Diva Stakes barriers between 2000-25: