Group One Maykbe Diva Stakes – Flemington16/09/2023

Group One racing returns to Victoria on Saturday as spring is well and truly underway. Another great battle is looming between Mr Brightside, Alligator Blood and newcomer Princess Grace. The talented Spanish Mission makes a long-awaited return and will be looking to kickstart his spring campaign with a bang. The small field is full of talent with Osipenko, Aegon and Francesco Guardi looking to make big impressions this spring. 

Speed

Expect another genuine gallop here with Alligator Blood. He likes to get out in front and roll on with the job, with a run under his belt and out to 1600m the Gai Waterhouse trained horse will be looking to deploy her usual tactics and turn this into a race far from home. Spanish Mission looks the only other potential speed in the race but first up over a shorter trip he could land anywhere, expecting first 4, off the rails. Opportunity for Princess Grace to roll forward here and enjoy a nice run in behind the leader, one out one back?. Brightside should box seat here and expecting Shinn on Princess Grace to attempt to make life difficult for the odds onfavourite. Osipenko next in the running with FrancesoGuardi and Aegon with FrancesoGuardi towards the rear. 

1.    7 Princess Grace $4.6

Finished 2nd 0.4L in the Memsies last start behind Mr Brightside. Got the better run of the two however her L400m were super. She ran her 400-200 split 0.7L quicker than the class average and 0.3L quicker than Mr Brightside. She ran her L200 0.9L quicker than class average and 0.4 quicker than Mr Brightside. That L400 was 1.4L quicker than Alligator Blood. Should enjoy a nice run here. Shinn also quite underrated in the market, currently striking at 20% with a 60% place rate. 

1 unit at $4.6 on Bet365

2.    1 Mr Brightside $1.9

After an excellent second-up effort 2 weeks back in the Memsies it’s not hard find him here. He is going at odds on right now and understandably. Drawn well and is one of the form horses in the country now. Looks in for a big prep and expect him to give a great sight here again. Only knock is the map which could potentially stick him on the rails. He should expect no favours from other jockeys who will be looking to make the odds-on favourites life as difficult as possible. Can’t have him at $1.9 however and looking elsewhere.

3.    3 Alligator Blood $4

No Surprises here with him as he is still going great. First-up last start finishing 4th 0.8L behind Brightside and Princess Grace. Second-up here with the run under his belt should see him go a lot better. Gets all favours here and loves the track. Will give a great site and depending what happens behind him could win.