The G1 Makybe Diva Stakes brings back wonderful memories for OTI and long-time followers of our horses. In 2005, when known as the Craiglee Stakes, it was the race that cemented our love affair for the importation of international gallopers, with the European-bred Hugs Dancer trouncing race favourite Elvstroem at long odds. More recently, in 2022, it was the late I’m Thunderstruck that pounced on a tiring Alligator Blood, “rumbling over the top” so eloquently put by Matt Hill.
In this year’s edition, we will be represented by an emphatic last-start 10.5 length Group 1 winner. The Price Kent Racing-trained Warmonger returns, for the first time as an open-age horse, having been a revelation as a 3-year-old in the Queensland Derby. He dominated that event over 2400m in heavy conditions but is expected to find things tougher on Saturday on a firmer track with just 1600m to run. While a field of just 8 presents, Warmonger will face proven WFA milers that he may simply find too nippy, such as Mr Brightside, Pinstriped, Pride of Jenni and Via Sistina.
Warmonger wins the 2024 G1 Queensland Derby.
Michael Dee is having his first race ride on the now 4-year-old, with connections keen to attain a jockey to form an association for the entirety of his preparation. With a lower weight likely in his initial prime target, the G1 Caulfield Cup, Dee is a luxury too good to pass up.
Warmonger has prepared well for his return with two trials at Cranbourne, performing pleasingly in both over the 1200m journey. Expected to find the 1600m Makybe too short on Saturday, we should see an eye-catching finishing effort as he moves on towards the 2000m Group 1 Turnbull Stakes and 2400m Group 1 Caulfield Cup later in the campaign.
View the full field and all race details for Saturday’s Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes here.