Waller's potential quintet for Makybe Diva Stakes

From the 15 horses nominated for the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington, trainer Chris Waller has entered five. Barrier draws and race shape will ultimately dictate whether all five, namely Aeliana, Autumn Boy, Birdman, Buckaroo, and Ohope Wins, will compete.

Waller has secured victory in the Makybe Diva just once before, in 2014 with Foreteller. He has consistently utilised the weight-for-age race as part of his stable's spring racing plans.

Via Sistina, the winner of the past two Cox Plates, participated in the Makybe Diva on both occasions, finishing fifth in 2024 and third last year. On both occasions, she was defeated by Mr Brightside, who is aiming for a remarkable fourth consecutive win in the race.

Chris Waller attended Flemington on Tuesday morning to observe Autumn Boy, Birdman, Buckaroo, and Ohope Wins during their trackwork. Aeliana completed her preparations in Sydney and is expected to travel to Melbourne during the week.

The increase in distance is predicted to be more suitable for Aeliana following her initial run in the Winx Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on August 22. "She raced a little bit flat but sectional times suggest they went a little bit quicker than what she was comfortable with and got a bit tired late, although Nash Rawiller said her last 200 metres was fine," Waller reported. "Based on what he said and her recovery, I'm happy with her and I think she will appreciate the mile and the nice big open spaces at Flemington. She was going well into her first-up run, so there has been no change."

With his proven ability at the distance, evidenced by his Caulfield Guineas win, Waller identified Autumn Boy as potentially the 'top seed' heading into Saturday's event after finishing eighth in the Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield first-up. "He's fitter for the run and physically he looks a little bit tighter which is how I want him to look," Waller explained. "He's a good miler. He's a Guineas winner and James (McDonald) was happy with his first-up run when he didn't get a lot of luck over the last 200 metres at Caulfield, and it's an important race for a colt."

Waller mentioned that either Buckaroo or Birdman could be set aside for the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield the following Saturday. Buckaroo claimed the Underwood in 2024 and chased Sir Delius home last year. Both contested the Memsie Stakes first-up, finishing fifth and sixth respectively. "They got home well, they came through it well and the mile will suit better," Waller commented. "We may split one of them up with the Underwood the following week. Buckaroo has won that before, and Birdman runs well at Caulfield, so we'll see how they've drawn, what the race is like and then see which one might be held back."

Australian Oaks winner Ohope Wins has had one start since her break, finishing at the back of the field in the PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on August 15. Waller believes the longer distance and larger track will be advantageous. "We won't see her best until she gets to 2000 metres, but it is an important stepping stone for a race like the Turnbull."

The trainer anticipates the Group 1 contest will be an enthralling race. "Sheza Alibi had a tough run first-up in Sydney and I'm sure she has come on and Sir Delius, I've been keeping an eye on him up in Sydney," Waller remarked. "Mr Brightside was awesome first-up and along with a few of ours, it will be a great race."

Anticipate a thrilling contest in the Makybe Diva Stakes this weekend; check out the available racing betting markets for your selections.