Makybe Diva Stakes 2010
September 5th 2010 07:57
The Group Two Makybe Diva Stakes was run last Saturday at Flemington on a heavy rated track.
(photo: Neil Murray)
Previous to 2007 this race had been known as the Craiglee Stakes since its inception in 1948.
There are several things to be gleaned from the 2010 renewal.
We learn the winner Shocking is on target to play a role again in the feature staying handicaps. Especially any that are run on the spacious expanse of Flemington with the 5 year old, Melbourne Cup winning Street Cry gelding, undefeated in four appearances at the track. He does appear to have returned to racing a more mature and complete horse this year.
We also learn that Heart Of Dreams remains as competitive as ever at the highest levels of racing. Yet to win on any track rated worse than dead, his two Spring appearances on slow and heavy rated tracks have been full of merit.
And we learn that the unlucky horse of the Melbourne Spring of 2009 - Vigor - is set to have a very productive 2010 campaign. A winner of the Makybe Diva Stakes of 2009 defeating Typhoon Tracy, Vigor was hardly any less impressive with his third placing this year. Having to share the speed in an unaccustomed role he nonetheless kept finding the line in fine style. He has improved again since his strong first-up 4th in the Liston Stakes when he charged up before lack of fitness saw him wilt inside the final 200 metres. Last year he was an unlucky 3rd in the Caulfield Cup after coming from the outside barrier.
We learn that 4th placed Danleigh is still unable to win at 1600 metres. Starting favourite he never travelled well in transit and although running home for a clear 4th placing he never really threatened.
And we learn that C’Est La Guerre is still a Maiden in Australia since being purchased by Lloyd Williams after his stunning win in the 2008 New Zealand Derby on a slow track. Although he has repaid part of his purchase with his unlucky 3rd placing in the 2008 Melbourne Cup behind the virtual dead-heaters Viewed and Bauer (Viewed prevailing in the photo-finish - while Bauer running 2nd recorded slightly quicker time). Until this campaign C’Est La Guerre had not since the New Zealand Derby raced on a rain affected track - his preference - but if he was expected to be a superior mudlark he has disappointed with his battling (slightly unlucky) 5th placing.
And of the others the prover 2 miler Zavite ran home impressively; Monaco Consul finished midfield and was fair; Speed Gifted seems a long way short of his impressive Spring performances of 2009 and pulled up distressed; Doctor Fremantle continues to baffle and appears to have left his best far behind in the UK; as perhaps have the stablemates of C’Est La Guerre, Mourayan and Alandi, purchased by Lloyd Williams to launch an all out assault on the Melbourne Cup, but dramatically below their best UK form - although unlike Doctor Fremantle they have yet to be tested over a suitable (staying) trip in Australia.
Shocking winning at Caulfield in May 2009
(photo: Neil Murray)
Previous to 2007 this race had been known as the Craiglee Stakes since its inception in 1948.
There are several things to be gleaned from the 2010 renewal.
We learn the winner Shocking is on target to play a role again in the feature staying handicaps. Especially any that are run on the spacious expanse of Flemington with the 5 year old, Melbourne Cup winning Street Cry gelding, undefeated in four appearances at the track. He does appear to have returned to racing a more mature and complete horse this year.
We also learn that Heart Of Dreams remains as competitive as ever at the highest levels of racing. Yet to win on any track rated worse than dead, his two Spring appearances on slow and heavy rated tracks have been full of merit.
And we learn that the unlucky horse of the Melbourne Spring of 2009 - Vigor - is set to have a very productive 2010 campaign. A winner of the Makybe Diva Stakes of 2009 defeating Typhoon Tracy, Vigor was hardly any less impressive with his third placing this year. Having to share the speed in an unaccustomed role he nonetheless kept finding the line in fine style. He has improved again since his strong first-up 4th in the Liston Stakes when he charged up before lack of fitness saw him wilt inside the final 200 metres. Last year he was an unlucky 3rd in the Caulfield Cup after coming from the outside barrier.
We learn that 4th placed Danleigh is still unable to win at 1600 metres. Starting favourite he never travelled well in transit and although running home for a clear 4th placing he never really threatened.
And we learn that C’Est La Guerre is still a Maiden in Australia since being purchased by Lloyd Williams after his stunning win in the 2008 New Zealand Derby on a slow track. Although he has repaid part of his purchase with his unlucky 3rd placing in the 2008 Melbourne Cup behind the virtual dead-heaters Viewed and Bauer (Viewed prevailing in the photo-finish - while Bauer running 2nd recorded slightly quicker time). Until this campaign C’Est La Guerre had not since the New Zealand Derby raced on a rain affected track - his preference - but if he was expected to be a superior mudlark he has disappointed with his battling (slightly unlucky) 5th placing.
And of the others the prover 2 miler Zavite ran home impressively; Monaco Consul finished midfield and was fair; Speed Gifted seems a long way short of his impressive Spring performances of 2009 and pulled up distressed; Doctor Fremantle continues to baffle and appears to have left his best far behind in the UK; as perhaps have the stablemates of C’Est La Guerre, Mourayan and Alandi, purchased by Lloyd Williams to launch an all out assault on the Melbourne Cup, but dramatically below their best UK form - although unlike Doctor Fremantle they have yet to be tested over a suitable (staying) trip in Australia.
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