Looking for this year’s top Makybe Diva Stakes betting markets, odds and form guide? The betting pros at Neds have put together everything you need to know.
Makybe Diva Stakes 2025 Results
The official 2025 Makybe Diva Stakes results will be available below once the race takes place on Saturday, September 13, 2025.
- #1 Mr Brightside
- #6 Aeliana
- #5 Via Sistina
Mr Brightside ($5) made history as the first ever three-time Makybe Diva Stakes champion leading from barrier to box thanks to a gun tactical ride by Craig Williams. The eight-year-old Lindsay Park great ran his rivals ragged in a dominant display to put 1.5 lengths on the line of the Chris Waller trained Aeliana with Cox Plate queen Via Sistina a somewhat disappointing third as the beaten odds-on favourite.
| 1. Mr Brightside (1) J: Craig Williams 59kg 120x2T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | ||
| 6. Aeliana (5) J: Damian Lane 56.5kg 421x2T: Chris Waller | ||
| 5. Via Sistina (2) J: James McDonald 57kg 111x1T: Chris Waller | ||
| 3. Antino (4) J: Blake Shinn 59kg 011x5T: Tony Gollan | ||
| 2. Tom Kitten (6) J: Ben Melham 59kg 1573xT: Anthony & Sam Freedman | ||
| 4. Mark Twain (3) J: Jamie Mott 59kg 231x8T: Roger James & Robert Wellwood |
The Makybe Diva Stakes is the second elite level feature of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, the Group 1 mile showdown run over 1600m at the iconic Flemington Racecourse in early to mid-September each season.
A weight-for-age event currently offering $750,000, the Makybe Diva Stakes is one of the first chances to see this season’s most exciting prospects go head-to-head and generally figures as an excellent form predictor leading into the bigger races in October and November.
The Makybe Diva Stakes was formerly known as the Craiglee Stakes before being renamed in 2007 to honour triple Melbourne Cup hero Makybe Diva.
The Group 2 P.B. Lawrence Stakes (1400m) held the moth before at Caulfield serves as a credible lead-up into the Makybe Diva Stakes, and the double was most recently completed by Mr Brightside (2023) who was the first since Pompeii Ruler (2006).
The opening Group 1 race of the carnival held at Caulfield a fortnight prior, the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) also makes a top lead-up into the Makybe Diva Stakes field with Mr Brightside (2023) also the last to do the double, the first since Dissident (2014) to win both races in the same year.
Inaugurated in 1948, Makybe Diva Stakes has held Group 1 status since 2013 and has been won by plenty of nice horses over the years including Comic Court (1949), Light Fingers (1965), Tobin Bronze (1966), Rose Of Kingston (1982), Northerly (2002), Shocking (2010) who won the previous year’s Melbourne Cup, and subsequent Caulfield Cup champ Incentivise (2021).
Mr Brightside (2023-24) made history as the first two-time Makybe Diva Stakes winner and the first to win the race twice since it became a Group 1 mile event.
Mr Brightside returned for a historic three-peat in 2025.
Makybe Diva Stakes 2025 – Fast Facts
- Race Day: Saturday September 13, 2025
- Track: Flemington Racecourse
- Surface: Turf
- Track: Left-handed
- Distance: 1600m
- Weight Class: Weight for Age
- Qualification: Three-year-olds and over (excluding maidens)
- Type: Thoroughbred
- Grade: Group 1
- Operator: Victoria Racing Club
- Purse: $750,000
- Inaugural Race: 1848
- 2025 Makybe Diva Stakes Winner: Mr Brightside
Makybe Diva Stakes Betting 2025
There are many different ways to bet on the Makybe Diva Stakes, and we have included some of the most popular options below:
| Bet Type | How To Place This Type Of Bet In This Year’s Makybe Diva Stakes |
|---|---|
| Win Bet | Place your bet on the horse you think will take first place in this year’s Makybe Diva Stakes. |
| Place Bet | Place your bet on the horse you think will place in the top three finishers at this year’s Makybe Diva Stakes. Pays less than a win bet, but offers safer odds. |
| Each-Way Bet | If your runner finishes 1st in the Makybe Diva Stakes, you will collect both the Win and the Place dividend. If your horse finishes 2nd or 3rd you will collect the Place dividend. |
| Quinella Bet | You must select the runners that finish 1st and 2nd in any order, within the Makybe Diva Stakes, in order to win the Quinella. |
| Exacta Bet | You must select the runners that finish 1st and 2nd in the correct order, within the Makybe Diva Stakes to win the Exacta. |
| Trifecta Bet | You must select runners to finish 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the correct order, within the Makybe Diva Stakes to win the Trifecta. |
| First Four | You must select runners that finish 1st, 2nd ,3rd and 4th in the correct order, within the Makybe Diva Stakes to win the First 4. |
| Quadrella Bet (Quaddie) | You must select the winners of four nominated races to win the Quaddie. This means you would have to select three other races apart from the Makybe Diva Stakes, in order to be eligible to place a Quaddie. |
How To Bet On The Makybe Diva Stakes In 2025
- Join up at neds.com.au
- Make a deposit, using your credit card, PayPal or other safe electronic method
- Make sure to check out form guide, once it’s released
- Decide what kind of bet you’re going to place (Win, Place, Each-Way, Trifecta + more betting options, please read our section on Makybe Diva Stakes Betting above).
- Select the horse(s) for the race.
WHICH HORSE WILL WIN THE MAKYBE DIVA STAKES IN 2025
The best way to pick which horse will win the Makybe Diva Stakes in 2025 is to take into account their lead-up Group 1 racing form, assess the barrier draw, and consider their past WFA performances.
Additional factors to consider when selecting the Makybe Diva Stakes winner include:
- Memsie Lead-Up – Looking at runners backing-up off a run in the Memsie Stakes can be key with plenty of recent winners having come out of that earlier Melbourne Group 1 event. The ill-fated I’m Thunderstruck (2nd in 2022) followed by Mr Brightside (1st in 2023 and 2nd in 2024 & 2025) are the latest Makybe Diva Stakes winners to come via a Memsie Stakes lead-up run.
- Back The Boys – Despite the race’s female namesake, Southern Speed (2012) is the only mare to have won the Makybe Diva Stakes since 1996.
- Lay The Favourite – The favourites have a poor record so looking for value further down the markets is key.
Makybe Diva Stakes FAVOURITES 2025
The 2025 Makybe Diva Stakes favourites include eight-length Cox Plate champion mare Via Sistina, her ATC Derby winning stablemate Aeliana, Doomben Cup hero Antino, and dual defending champion Mr Brightside chasing a three-peat.
Favourites in Makybe Diva Stakes betting have a poor recent record with just five getting the job done from 2008-23.
Dissident ($2.70 in 2014), Fierce Impact ($4 in 2020), the ill-fated I’m Thunderstruck ($2.60 in 2022), and Mr Brightside ($1.85 in 2023) are the latest Makybe Diva Stakes favourites to salute for the punters.
Makybe Diva Stakes 2025 FIELD
The official line-up of horses in the 2025 Makybe Diva Stakes final field will be announced by Racing Victoria the Wednesday of race week and published in full below.
The 2025 Makybe Diva Stakes final field features a small but top-class line-up of just six middle-distance stars including the Chris Waller trained mares Via Sistina and Aeliana who ran one-two in Sydney’s Winx Stakes last time out.
| Entrant | Last 6 | Sex | Barrier | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Mr Brightside
J: Craig Williams
T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes |
2120x2 | G | 1 | 59kg | |
|
2. Tom Kitten
J: Ben Melham
T: Anthony & Sam Freedman |
21573x | G | 6 | 59kg | |
|
3. Antino
J: Blake Shinn
T: Tony Gollan |
x011x5 | G | 4 | 59kg | |
|
4. Mark Twain
J: Jamie Mott
T: Roger James & Robert Wellwood |
1231x8 | G | 3 | 59kg | |
|
5. Via Sistina
J: James McDonald
T: Chris Waller |
3111x1 | M | 2 | 57kg | |
|
6. Aeliana
J: Damian Lane
T: Chris Waller |
3421x2 | M | 5 | 56.5kg |
Makybe Diva Stakes 2025 Tips
Favourite: #5 Via Sistina ($2 at time of publish) – BET NOW
Best Bet: #5 Via Sistina to salute for the punters (see above) – BET NOW
Best Roughie: #2 Tom Kitten ($11 at time of publish) – BET NOW
Our insider 2025 Makybe Diva Stakes tips will be detailed here the week of the Group 1 spring lead-up and a complete Makybe Diva Stakes tips post available on the Neds Blog.
CLICK HERE FOR OUR COMPLETE 2025 MAKYBE DIVA STAKES DAY PREVIEW & TIPS
Makybe Diva Stakes RACE DAY 2025
Race day takes place on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Flemington Racecourse. 2025 Makybe Diva Stakes Day features three Group status support acts with the following races also taking place:
- Group 2 $300,000 Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m),
- Group 2 $300,000 Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m), and the
- Group 3 $300,000 Lexus Archer Stakes (2500m) previously held in November for Melbourne Cup hopefuls.
Makybe Diva Stakes 2025 BARRIER DRAW
The 2025 Makybe Diva Stakes barrier draw takes place following final acceptances on the Wednesday of race week. The official 2025 Makybe Diva Stakes barriers will be available in our above Makybe Diva Stakes Field section.
Makybe Diva Stakes 2025 Nominations
2025 Makybe Diva Stakes nominations are taken the Monday of race week with the full list of early entries to be made available below.
The 2025 Makybe Diva Stakes nominations have been extended until 10:00AM (AEST) – 08/09/2025
The 2025 Makybe Diva Stakes nominations feature a star-studded line-up of Cox Plate hopefuls including Via Sistina and her stablemate Aeliana who ran one-two fresh in Sydney’s Winx Stakes.
| Last 10 | Horse | Sex | Age | Trainer | Hcp Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 112x3421x2 | AELIANA (NZ) | M | 4 | Chris Waller | |
| 2 | x1x139x0x6 | ANISETTE (GB) | M | 6 | Chris Waller | 112 |
| 3 | 1712x146x6 | ANOTHER WIL | G | 6 | Ciaron Maher | 114 |
| 4 | 3120x011x5 | ANTINO (NZ) | G | 7 | Tony Gollan | 117 |
| 5 | 75x71211x0 | DEAKIN (FR) | G | 6 | Phillip Stokes | 103 |
| 6 | 4x95x1165x | KINGSWOOD (GB) | H | 6 | Gavin Bedggood | 99 |
| 7 | 241x2120x2 | MR BRIGHTSIDE (NZ) | G | 8 | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | 120 |
| 8 | 7376x97x79 | PINSTRIPED | G | 7 | Enver Jusufovic | 109 |
| 9 | 243x21573x | TOM KITTEN | G | 5 | Anthony & Sam Freedman | 116 |
| 10 | 111x3111x1 | VIA SISTINA (IRE) | M | 8 | Chris Waller | 125 |
Table Credit: Racing Australia.
Makybe Diva Stakes 2025 WEIGHTS
Weight-for-age conditions apply with three-year-old fillies allocated the least weight. Final 2025 Makybe Diva Stakes weights will be announced by 4:00 PM on the Tuesday of race week. The official Makybe Diva Stakes weights will be available in our above Makybe Diva Stakes Field section.
Makybe Diva Stakes 2025 ACCEPTANCES
Acceptances must be declared before 9:00 AM on the Wednesday of race week. The official 2025 Makybe Diva Stakes final acceptances will be available in our above Makybe Diva Stakes Field.
Makybe Diva Stakes 2025 JOCKEYS
The final riders’ announcement is at 12:00 PM on the Wednesday of race week. The official 2025 Makybe Diva Stakes jockeys will be available in our above Makybe Diva Stakes Field section.
Makybe Diva Stakes SCRATCHINGS 2025
2025 Makybe Diva Stakes scratchings close at 7:30 AM on Saturday the 13th of September 2025.
Makybe Diva Stakes PRIZE MONEY 2025
2025 Makybe Diva Stakes prize money is set at $750,000 including $450,000 going to the Makybe Diva Stakes winner.
| Place | Prize Money |
|---|---|
| 1st | $450,000 |
| 2nd | $135,000 |
| 3rd | $67,500 |
| 4th | $33,750 |
| 5th | $18,750 |
| 6th | $15,000 |
| 7th | $15,000 |
| 8th | $15,000 |
Makybe Diva Stakes RACE NUMBER 2025
The 2025 Makybe Diva Stakes race number is scheduled as Flemington Race 8 at 4:20pm (AEST) on Saturday the 13th of September 2025 at Flemington Racecourse. Makybe Diva Stakes Day features ten races in total.
Makybe Diva Stakes 2025 Form Guide
The final form guide will be available the week before the race. You can check below for a link to our full 2025 Makybe Diva Stakes Form Guide following final acceptances.
CLICK HERE FOR OUR FULL 2025 MAKYBE DIVA STAKES FORM GUIDE
Makybe Diva Stakes Winners
Winners of the Makybe Diva Stakes going back to 1983 are displayed in the table below. To view a complete list of past Makybe Diva Stakes winners from the race’s inauguration in 1948 to the present – click here.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer/s | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Mr Brightside | Craig Williams | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | 1:38.75 |
| 2024 | Mr Brightside | Craig Williams | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | 1:38.98 |
| 2023 | Mr Brightside | Craig Williams | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | 1:37.4 |
| 2022 | I’m Thunderstruck | Mark Zahra | Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr. | 1.37.8 |
| 2021 | Incentivise | Brett Prebble | Peter G Moody | 1:36.6 |
| 2020 | Fierce Impact | Mark Zahra | Matthew Smith | 1:36.3 |
| 2019 | Gatting | Jamie Kah | Darren McAuliffe | 1:33.9 |
| 2018 | Grunt | Damien Oliver | Mick Price | 1:34.9 |
| 2017 | Humidor | Damian Lane | Darren Weir | 1:35.3 |
| 2016 | Palentino | Mark Zahra | Darren Weir | 1:36.2 |
| 2015 | Fawkner | Damien Oliver | Robert Hickmott | 1:37.9 |
| 2014 | Dissident | Ben Melham | Peter G Moody | 1:36.9 |
| 2013 | Foreteller | Craig Newitt | Chris Waller | 1:37.0 |
| 2012 | Southern Speed | Craig Williams | Leon Macdonald & Andrew Gluyas | 1:37.8 |
| 2011 | Littorio | Craig Williams | Nigel Blackiston | 1:37.8 |
| 2010 | Shocking | Michael Rodd | Mark Kavanagh | 1:41.7 |
| 2009 | Vigor | Damien Oliver | Danny O’Brien | 1:35.8 |
| 2008 | Weekend Hussler | Brad Rawiller | Ross McDonald | 1:38.6 |
| 2007 | Marasco | – | – | 1:36.7 |
| 2006 | Pompeii Ruler | – | – | 1:38.5 |
| 2005 | Confectioner | – | – | 1:35.8 |
| 2004 | Hugs Dancer | G J Childs | D A Hayes | 1:38.2 |
| 2003 | Pentastic | S W Arnold | C Alderson | 1:37.2 |
| 2002 | Northerly | G J Childs | Fred Kersley | 1:37.9 |
| 2001 | Native Jazz | B Prebble | Pat Carey | 1:37.4 |
| 2000 | Go Flash Go | N Wilson | J R Blakey | 1:42.1 |
| 1999 | Sky Heights | D Oliver | C Alderson | – |
| 1998 | Umrum | D Nikolic | L M Macdonald | – |
| 1997 | Marble Halls | D Oliver | D L Freedman | – |
| 1996 | Saleous | P Payne | Pat Hyland | – |
| 1995 | Jeune | W Harris | P C Hayes | – |
| 1994 | Mahogany | Greg Hall | D L Freedman | – |
| 1993 | Mannerism | Rod Griffiths | D L Freedman | – |
| 1992 | Star of the Realm | S R King | John Meagher | – |
| 1991 | Durbridge | Greg Hall | D L Freedman | – |
| 1990 | Zabeel | M Clarke | D A Hayes | – |
| 1989 | Apollo Run | G Willetts | C Alderson | – |
| 1988 | High Regard | W Treloar | T W Harper | – |
| 1987 | Military Plume | M Clarke | C S Hayes | – |
| 1986 | King Phoenix | M Goreham | T R Howe | – |
| 1985 | Fine Offer | M Clarke | H R Hyde | – |
| 1984 | Prolific | D Gauci | Bart Cummings | – |
| 1983 | Pleach | D Gauci | I R McKinlay | – |
How do I bet on the 2025 Makybe Diva Stakes?
Join up at neds.com.au
Make a deposit, using your credit card, PayPal or other safe electronic method
Make sure to check out form guide, once it’s released
Decide what kind of bet you’re going to place (Win, Place, Each-Way, Trifecta + more betting options, please read our section on Makybe Diva Stakes Betting).
Select the horse(s) for the race.
Which horse will win the 2025 Makybe Diva Stakes?
The best way to pick which horse will win the Makybe Diva Stakes in 2025 is to take into account their lead-up Group 1 racing form, assess the barrier draw, and consider their past WFA performances.
Additional factors to consider when selecting the Makybe Diva Stakes winner include:
Memsie Lead-Up - Looking at runners backing-up off a run in the Memsie Stakes can be key with plenty of recent winners having come out of that earlier Melbourne Group 1 event. The ill-fated I'm Thunderstruck (2nd in 2022) followed by Mr Brightside (1st in 2023 and 2nd in 2024 & 2025) are the latest Makybe Diva Stakes winners to come via a Memsie Stakes lead-up run.
Back The Boys - Despite the race's female namesake, Southern Speed (2012) is the only mare to have won the Makybe Diva Stakes since 1996.
Lay The Favourite - The favourites have a poor record so looking for value further down the markets is key.