The opening Group 1 mile race of the Melbourne spring takes over Flemington Racecourse this weekend, and with a star-studded field of weight-for-age champions doing battle, Neds are here with our expert Makybe Diva Stakes 2026 betting tips, predictions and favourites.
The $750,000 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) has once again attracted a serious line‑up of spring heavyweights, and punters are in for a beauty. The race has belonged to Lindsay Park’s iron‑horse Mr Brightside for three straight years, and the nine‑year‑old marvel is back chasing an extraordinary fourth Flemington mile triumph. Standing in his way is the rapidly ascending Sheza Alibi — the Moody/Coleman star who hasn’t tasted defeat at the distance and looks set to explode second‑up.
Add in Sir Delius resuming with Ladbrokes Cox Plate ambitions, Treasurethe Moment rolling forward with her trademark grit, and a deep cast of emerging milers ready to make a statement, and this year’s edition shapes as one of the most intriguing early‑spring clashes.
So who takes control of the famous Flemington straight — the rising superstar, the seasoned champion, or a value runner ready to flip the script?
Below you’ll find our full Makybe Diva Stakes 2026 preview, plus a Same Race Multi for punters chasing a little extra value.
2026 Makybe Diva Stakes Favourites & Best Bets
SHEZA ALIBI (7) steps out as the clear top seed in this year’s Makybe Diva, and with Autumn Glow missing from the line‑up, the door swings wide open for the rising star to stamp her authority.
The Moody/Coleman mare has never been beaten at the mile, owns one of the most explosive Doncaster wins in recent memory, and her Winx Stakes return showed she’s come back every bit as sharp — charging late from midfield to grab second in a high‑rating run.
Her Flemington résumé is still building, but she’s already proven she handles the big track, smashing her own kind here last spring in the Group 3 The Vanity before rolling straight into a Sandown Guineas demolition.
Even better, she’s a genuine second‑up weapon, and Luke Nolen has stuck solid after describing her comeback as “terrific”, which tells you exactly where the stable confidence sits.
From the draw she’ll slot in behind the speed, switch off, and look to unleash that trademark surge once they straighten.
If she brings anything close to her autumn peak, she’s going to make life very tough for the rest.
Neds Verdict: Looks ready to put the field to the sword, the unbeaten mile ace primed to explode second‑up and turn the Makybe Diva into another statement performance for the spring.
| 12. Sheza Alibi (5) J: Luke Nolen 56.5kg 111×2T: Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman | |||
| 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. | |||
MR BRIGHTSIDE (2) rolls into another Makybe Diva as the old marvel who simply refuses to fade, and if Sheza Alibi doesn’t fire, he’s the one most likely to pinch it.
His Memsie return was full of heart — punching up on the speed after nearly a year off and still boxing on for a cracking finish behind a rising star. That run was full of merit, and improvement is exactly what he should bring second‑up.
The Flemington mile is his playground, and the numbers back it up: he’s a monster at this trip, he spikes with a run under the belt, and he’s already carved his name into the race with three straight wins, including last year’s dominant display over Aeliana.
Age might say nine, but his form doesn’t.
Craig Williams jumps off for Sir Delius, but that won’t bother the camp — Mr Brightside has made a career out of proving people wrong.
Neds Verdict: The battle‑hardened danger, a Flemington mile specialist who always lifts second‑up and is more than capable of landing another blow if the favourite falters.
| 1. Mr Brightside (2) J: Blake Shinn 59kg 125×2T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | |||
| 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. | |||
TREASURETHE MOMENT (10) rolls into the Makybe Diva as a double-figure runner punters will struggle to ignore.
Matt Laurie’s tough Alabama Express mare has already built a serious résumé — four Group 1 trophies, a VRC Oaks triumph, and that famous Memsie blitz over Mr Brightside — and she’s right back in the zone this spring.
Her Memsie return this year was far better than the bare result, copping interference late yet still surging through the line, and a return to Flemington is exactly what she wants.
She’s a genuine Headquarters specialist with three wins from four starts here.
Second‑up is where she traditionally spikes, and Damian Lane knows precisely how to ride her when she’s on the rise.
From the wide alley she’ll press forward, control the tempo and make the others chase — a scenario that has worked beautifully for her before.
If she gets into her rhythm early, she’s the one capable of turning this into a real test for the favourites.
Neds Verdict: The danger at a price, a seasoned Group 1 mare who thrives second‑up, loves Flemington and looks ready to roll forward and give punters a serious shake at overs.
| 10. Treasurethe Moment (8) J: Damian Lane 57kg 313×4T: Matt Laurie | |||
| 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. | |||
2026 Makybe Diva Stakes Same Race Multi Selections
- To Win: No. 12 Sheza Alibi
- Top 3: No. 1 Mr Brightside
- Top 4: No. 10 Treasurethe Moment
SHEZA ALIBI (7) is the young mile queen who goes to another level second‑up. Her Winx Stakes return was electric, and she gets the dream Flemington set‑up to unleash late.
MR BRIGHTSIDE (2) is the old pro who thrives with a run under the belt and knows every blade of grass at the Flemington mile. He’ll stalk, peel and fight to the line.
TREASURETHE MOMENT (10) shapes up as a value runner who rolls forward, loves Headquarters and traditionally spikes second‑up. Tough enough to stick on and make her presence felt.
| 1. Mr Brightside (2) J: Blake Shinn 59kg 125×2T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | |||
| 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. | |||
| 10. Treasurethe Moment (8) J: Damian Lane 57kg 313×4T: Matt Laurie | |||
| 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. | |||
| 12. Sheza Alibi (5) J: Luke Nolen 56.5kg 111×2T: Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman | |||
| 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. | |||
Favourites in 2026 Makybe Diva Stakes Betting
The Makybe Diva Stakes has once again delivered a headline act, with a red‑hot favourite, a returning champion and a live roughie all shaping the top end of the market. It’s a classic early‑spring Flemington mile: proven WFA stars, rising talents and a tempo that will expose anything not fully tuned.
Favourite: No. 12 Sheza Alibi
Sheza Alibi dominates the market as the odds‑on elect, and it’s easy to see why. Unbeaten at the mile, a Doncaster heroine, and fresh off a booming Winx Stakes return where she charged home from midfield, the Moody/Coleman mare arrives second‑up — her sweet spot. She’s already shown she handles Flemington, she’s never missed second‑up, and Luke Nolen has declared her comeback “terrific”. From a midfield slot she’ll switch off, track the speed and look to unleash that trademark late burst.
Why she’s the one to beat:
- Perfect 1600m record
- Second‑up specialist
- Elite closing sectionals
- Proven big‑track acceleration
Expected Settling Position: Midfield
|
12. Sheza Alibi (5)
J: Luke Nolen 56.5kg
111×2T: Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman
|
|||
| 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. | |||
Second Favourite: No. 4 Sir Delius
Sir Delius is the only other runner under single‑figures and commands respect. The Cox Plate‑bound entire has trialled sharply, owns strong fresh form at the trip, and brings genuine top‑end class. He’ll be better deeper into the spring, but his first‑up profile is too good to ignore. Expect him to land on‑speed and make his presence felt.
Why he’s the danger:
- Strong first‑up record
- Genuine WFA talent
- Maps to sit handy
- Trials have been excellent
Expected Settling Position: Pace
|
4. Sir Delius (7)
J: Craig Williams 59kg
x331xT: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott
|
|||
| 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. | |||
Next Best: No. 1 Mr Brightside
The old marvel returns chasing an extraordinary fourth straight Makybe Diva crown. His Memsie run was enormous after a long break, and he always spikes second‑up. The Flemington mile is his playground, and he maps to stalk the speed again. If the favourite wobbles, he’s the one ready to pounce.
Why he’s still right in the mix:
- Outstanding second‑up record
- Loves the Flemington mile
- Proven in this exact race
- Maps perfectly to strike
Expected Settling Position: Pace
|
1. Mr Brightside (2)
J: Blake Shinn 59kg
125×2T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes
|
|||
| 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. | |||
Market Mover: No. 10 Treasurethe Moment
Treasurethe Moment has tightened noticeably in early betting and shapes as the value runner. A four‑time Group 1 winner and Flemington specialist, she was excellent fresh in the Memsie despite copping interference late. Second‑up is her sweet spot, she rolls forward from the draw, and she’s tough enough to make the favourites work.
Why she’s firming:
- Track specialist
- Big second‑up spike
- Strong fresh run
- Maps to lead and control
Expected Settling Position: Leader
|
10. Treasurethe Moment (8)
J: Damian Lane 57kg
313×4T: Matt Laurie
|
|||
| 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. | |||
Being Kept Safe: No. 8 Autumn Boy
Autumn Boy sits in the “respectable outsider” bracket — not in the main betting conversation, but talented enough to warrant a spot in wider calculations. His Memsie return was plain on paper after a long break, yet he wasn’t knocked around and historically improves sharply second‑up, especially once he gets to the mile. Blinkers go on, the stable is humming, and his Randwick Guineas run behind Sheza Alibi last prep shows he can elevate with fitness.
Why he’s being kept safe:
- Blinkers on
- Strong 1600m profile
- Reliable second‑up record
- Capable on good ground
- Stable/jockey combo in form
Expected Settling Position: Midfield
|
8. Autumn Boy (3)
J: Mark Zahra 58.5kg
212×8T: Chris Waller
|
|||
| 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. | |||
Latest Makybe Diva Stakes 2026 Odds
| 1. Mr Brightside (2) J: Blake Shinn 59kg 125×2T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | |||
| 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 | |||
| 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 | |||
| 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 | |||
| 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 | |||
| 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 | |||
| 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 | |||
| 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 | |||
| 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 | |||
| 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 | |||
| 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: | |||