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
| 12. Sheza Alibi (5) 56.5kg111×2 | |||
| 8. Autumn Boy (3) 58.5kg212×8 | |||
| 7. Another Wil (9) 59kg940×9 | |||
| 4. Sir Delius (7) 59kgx331x | |||
| 11. She’s A Hustler (4) 57kg4355x | |||
| 2. Half Yours (10) 59kg9444x | |||
| 1. Mr Brightside (2) 59kg125×2 | |||
| 3. Light Infantry Man (1) 59kg415×4 | |||
| 13. Ohope Wins (6) 56.5kg141×0 | |||
| 10. Treasurethe Moment (8) 57kg313×4 | |||
| 5. Buckaroo (3)SCRATCHED: | |||
| 6. Birdman (4)SCRATCHED: | |||
| 9. Aeliana (13)SCRATCHED: | |||
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.
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:
- Barrier 1 – 4 (latest Mr Brightside in 2025)
- Barrier 2 – 3 (latest Mr Brightside in 2023)
- Barrier 3 – 3 (latest Incentivise in 2011)
- Barrier 4 – 2 (latest Mr Brightside in 2024)
- Barrier 5 – 3 (latest Fierce Impact in 2020)
- Barrier 6 – 4 (latest Grunt in 2018)
- Barrier 7 – 0
- Barrier 8 – 2 (latest Gatting in 2019)
- Barrier 9 – 1 (latest Foreteller in 2013)
- Barrier 10 – 1 (latest Humidor in 2017)
- Barrier 11 – 2 (latest Fawkner in 2015)
- Barrier 12 – 0
- Barrier 13 – 0
- Barrier 14 – 1 (latest Littorio in 2011)
