Group 1 racing returns to Flemington this Saturday for the 2026 Makybe Diva Stakes, with a high-class field of weight-for-age performers set to tackle the famous 1600m course.
The $750,000 feature has attracted an outstanding mix of established stars and emerging spring contenders. Sheza Alibi heads the market after an excellent first-up performance, while Sir Delius, three-time defending champion Mr Brightside, Aeliana and Treasurethe Moment add serious depth to the race.
With several runners using the Makybe Diva Stakes as a stepping stone towards the major races later in the Melbourne Spring Carnival, Saturday’s Group 1 should provide an important guide to the weeks ahead.
2026 Makybe Diva Stakes Race Details
- Race: Makybe Diva Stakes
- Date: Saturday, 12 September 2026
- Racecourse: Flemington
- Distance: 1600m
- Conditions: Group 1, Weight-for-Age
- Prize Money: $750,000
2026 Makybe Diva Stakes Field
The final field features 13 runners, headed by Mr Brightside, Sheza Alibi, Sir Delius, Aeliana and Treasurethe Moment.
| No. | Horse | Barrier | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mr Brightside | 2 | 59kg |
| 2 | Half Yours | 12 | 59kg |
| 3 | Light Infantry Man | 1 | 59kg |
| 4 | Sir Delius | 9 | 59kg |
| 5 | Buckaroo | 3 | 59kg |
| 6 | Birdman | 4 | 59kg |
| 7 | Another Wil | 11 | 59kg |
| 8 | Autumn Boy | 5 | 58.5kg |
| 9 | Aeliana | 13 | 57kg |
| 10 | Treasurethe Moment | 10 | 57kg |
| 11 | She’s A Hustler | 6 | 57kg |
| 12 | Sheza Alibi | 7 | 56.5kg |
| 13 | Ohope Wins | 8 | 56.5kg |
Makybe Diva Stakes Odds
Sheza Alibi is the clear early favourite at around $1.70, with Sir Delius the main market danger at approximately $4.60. Three-time defending champion Mr Brightside is around the $10 mark, while Treasurethe Moment is trading near $11. Odds are indicative and subject to change.
Leading Chances
Sheza Alibi
Sheza Alibi looks the horse to beat after an excellent return when runner-up first-up. She has drawn barrier seven and gets into the race with 56.5kg under the weight-for-age conditions. The market has identified her as the standout chance and she should receive every opportunity to justify the short quote.
Sir Delius
Sir Delius resumes from barrier nine and shapes as the obvious danger. The Waterhouse and Bott runner brings serious quality to the race and the 1600m provides an intriguing starting point for his spring campaign. If the favourite is vulnerable, he looks one of the most likely runners to capitalise.
Mr Brightside
Few horses have a better record in this race than Mr Brightside. He has won the past three editions and returns attempting an extraordinary fourth consecutive Makybe Diva Stakes. His first-up effort in the Memsie Stakes was strong and barrier two should allow Blake Shinn to give him an economical run. At double-figure odds, his record over this course and distance makes him difficult to dismiss.
Treasurethe Moment
Treasurethe Moment is another fascinating runner after finishing fourth first-up. She steps to the mile second-up and carries 57kg from barrier ten. Her best form puts her firmly in the Group 1 conversation and further improvement would bring her into calculations.
Aeliana
Aeliana was below her best first-up but has already demonstrated significant Group 1 ability. The wide barrier is a complication, although the Flemington mile gives her time to find a rhythm. She is capable of improving sharply if she gets the right race shape.
Makybe Diva Stakes Betting Tips
Best Bet: Mr Brightside – Each Way
Sheza Alibi deserves favouritism, but the short price leaves little margin for error in a deep Group 1 field. Mr Brightside offers a more appealing betting proposition at around double figures. He was excellent first-up in the Memsie Stakes, draws ideally in barrier two and has won this race in each of the past three years.
Danger: Sheza Alibi
Sheza Alibi is clearly the runner they all have to beat. Her first-up performance was excellent and she should get a suitable run from the middle draw. The primary question for punters is whether the current short price represents enough value against this level of opposition.
Value Chance: Treasurethe Moment
Treasurethe Moment should improve with her first-up run behind her and the step to 1600m looks suitable. At a much bigger price than the favourite, she appeals as one to include in wider exotics and multiples.
2026 Makybe Diva Stakes Prediction
- Mr Brightside
- Sheza Alibi
- Treasurethe Moment
- Sir Delius
The market is dominated by Sheza Alibi, but Mr Brightside’s outstanding record in this race and encouraging first-up performance make him an attractive each-way option at the bigger price. The Flemington mile has repeatedly brought out his best, and another strong showing would be no surprise.
Odds quoted are indicative at the time of writing and are subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.
Feature Races
2026 Makybe Diva Stakes Tips, Odds & Betting Preview
