Flemington has a major Group 1 on Saturday, September 12, and the field is deep enough to matter well beyond one afternoon. The Crown Makybe Diva Stakes brings together 13 starters over 1600 metres, including 12 individual Group 1 winners.
Mr Brightside returns seeking a fourth consecutive victory in the race, while reigning Melbourne Cup winner Half Yours makes his first Flemington appearance since winning the Cup last November.
Mr Brightside chases rare history
Mr Brightside has won the Makybe Diva Stakes three years in a row. He enters from barrier 2 with Blake Shinn and comes off a second place finish in the Memsie Stakes.
A fourth victory would add another major achievement to a career that already includes 20 wins from 49 starts and more than $19 million in earnings, according to Victoria Racing Club.
Half Yours starts the road back to the Melbourne Cup
Half Yours returns to Flemington for the first time since his 2025 Melbourne Cup victory. Jamie Melham rides from barrier 12.
The 1600 metre assignment is the starting point of a spring campaign expected to lead toward longer races. Half Yours is also among the 101 initial nominations for the 2026 Melbourne Cup on November 3.
For the permanent race picture, including qualifying dates and field updates, visit the new Melbourne Cup hub.
A field packed with Group 1 form
The race also includes Light Infantry Man, Sir Delius, Buckaroo, Birdman, Another Wil, Autumn Boy, Aeliana, Treasurethe Moment, She’s A Hustler, Sheza Alibi and Ohope Wins.
Victoria Racing Club reports that the 13 starters have combined for 34 Group 1 victories. Sir Delius returns after winning the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, while Sheza Alibi comes into the race after finishing second to Autumn Glow in the Winx Stakes.
Why this race matters
The Makybe Diva Stakes sits early in the Australian spring, but several runners are using it as a foundation for major races later in the season. That makes Saturday useful for more than the result itself. It offers an early test of form for horses targeting the Melbourne Cup, Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and other major spring races.
OTB Bet will follow the confirmed results and update the Melbourne Cup path as the spring develops. More international championship coverage is available in the Major Races center and the Breeders’ Cup hub.
Source: Victoria Racing Club, official Makybe Diva Stakes contenders, September 9, 2026.
