Via Sistina confirmed for 2025 Makybe Diva Stakes field
Star mare Via Sistina is on the move again, with connections confirming she will line up in Saturday’s Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington following another reshuffle to her spring program.
The multiple Group 1 winner was expected to resume in the 7 Stakes in Sydney, but plans changed after stablemate Treasurethe Moment was sidelined with a bout of colic. That development cleared the way for Via Sistina to tackle the $750,000 Flemington feature instead.
Trainer Chris Waller confirmed the decision an hour before she was set to trial at Rosehill. “Via Sistina will not trial this morning and will instead race in the Makybe Diva Stakes this Saturday at Flemington,” he said. “She galloped well this morning and I am happy with her fitness levels. James McDonald will take the ride and Damian Lane will ride Aeliana.”
Via Sistina and Aeliana will be among 12 contenders, with Mr Brightside, Antino, Another Wil and Tom Kitten adding further quality. Absent from the line-up is Fangirl, who is being prepared from Rosehill for the $5 million Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m) after a disappointing Memsie Stakes run.
Yulong and Waller still have the option of freshening Via Sistina for the Group 2 Golden Pendant (1400m) before the King Charles III Stakes in October, depending on how she pulls up from her Melbourne assignment.
Punters can access early odds and betting markets for the Makybe Diva Stakes through Australia’s best betting sites.
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