Makybe Diva Stakes Preview 10/09/22
Makybe Marvels
GettyTagged: Makybe Diva Stakes, Flemington
A gun field has assembled this year, for an intriguing edition of the Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington.
While race favourite I'm Thunderstruck is popular, to my eye the race is wide open and I'm happy to be with a talented Godolphin runner who had genuine excuses last start in the Memsie.
With the small field the race result will depend heavily on the speed at which it is run, with rider tactics to be key throughout and highly anticipated.
The track is almost certain to be rain-affected, with showers predicted in the coming days in Melbourne.
Monitor early races for any hint of an on-pace bias.
Track Assessment
The Flemington track is currently rated a Soft 5 with the rail in the True position for the entire circuit.
Showers are predicted for the remainder of the week in Melbourne and on race day.
The Flemington surface continues to play fair with both on and off-speed profiles suited, however if the rain continues, on-speed may hold some advantage.
As always refer to the early races for a good guide on track bias.
Caulfield Race 8 - Memsie Stakes 1400m (G1)
The Map 
Western Empire (6) can sit outside the leader however I doubt he will apply pressure.
Race favourite I'm Thunderstruck (1) profiles to get back in the run, however in the small field should naturally finds himself closer.
The Favourite 
I'm Thunderstruck ($2.45) was ultra-impressive first up in the Memsie (2 of 14), when charging late to only just miss.
He looks well suited here by the small field and will be closer in the run, even if they drop out to last.
He will need a touch of tempo to allow him to be running home overt the top, and expect Alligator Blood will set up at least an even speed.
Although there is some risk he is a victim of his racing pattern again here, he is now fitter and should have improved following the first-up run.
Analysis and Tips 
I'm with Cascadian who should find an ideal midfield position in the moving line with cover. He was a big tip first up when not all went right, and he must be going very well at home to warrant the support in betting last start.
Fitter now and with a highly motivated Blake Shinn aboard, expect they will have the right plan and execute.
Western Empire is stacked with ability and arrives with some huge runs in the West under his belt.
He is likely to sit outside the leader throughout, and if the rain continues and there is an on-pace bias, expect he will be in the perfect position to take advantage.
Alligator Blood has the quality and did have genuine excuses first up in the Memsie, when drew low in a larger field and found traffic around the tight turning Caulfield.
This is a completely different set up and he should find the front with ease and prove very hard to run down.
I'm Thunderstruck is all class! and if they go warp speed he will be dropping on them late. As always he is high-risk if the pace is slow, however he will naturally be closer to the leaders here in the smaller field.
1st Cascadian
2nd Western Empire
3rd Alligator Blood
4th I'm Thunderstruck
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