Two spring Group 1 mile races take place across the weekend and with Winx dominating things in Sydney, a class field has gathered for the Makybe Diva Stakes 2017 at Flemington – betting tips and updated odds on the Melbourne classic found below.

There are 12 in the mix for this year’s Group 1 $750,000 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m), the weight-for-age feature due to run as Flemington Race 7 at 4:15pm (AEST).

It is Group 1 winners galore in the race, but there’s an odds-on favourite in Makybe Diva Stakes betting in Hartnell ($1.80) who the punters are happy to get behind second-up.

The ace galloper was outstanding fresh winning the P.B. Lawrence Stakes and should be improving second-up getting up to a mile that he’s got a great record over (8-3-2-0).

If not for Winx, who chases her 20^th straight win in the George Main Stakes on Saturday, Hartnell would have handed the Godolphin stable a handful more elite level trophies.

He avoids the super mare this campaign and so looks tough to beat in the Makybe Diva Stakes on way to a likely Caulfield Cup bid over the mile and a half on October 21.

What beats Hartnell in the Makybe Diva Stakes?

There are just two other hopes under $10 in the markets with the Darren Weir-trained five-time Group 1 winner Black Heart Bart ($6.50) out to go one better than a Memsie Stakes second last start, and the Kris Lees-trained Le Romain ($9.50) who a Group 1 at this track and distance last Melbourne Cup Carnival.

So are the dominant trio the ones to back in Saturday’s Makybe Diva Stakes results or does the value lie further down the markets in the likes of Weir’s Penny Edition Stakes winner Gailo Chop ($18) or the autumn’s Australian Guineas winner Hey Doc ($13) for Tony McEvoy?

Earlier we published our comprehensive Makybe Diva Stakes 2017 Form Guide & Betting Preview and based on the facts and stats uncovered there, we’ve got the tips to take to Ladbrokes.com.au in the weekend’s Flemington feature.

1^st

#9 Hey Doc ($13)

There’s lots to like about nearly every horse in this field, but there’s huge value to be had backing this improving four-year-old for the win at double-figures. Favourites have a pretty poor record in recent years and there’s been plenty of upsets in the Makybe Diva Stakes results from the past decade. Two of the past three winners were 4YOs and this son of Duporth is proven at the track / distance having won the Autumn Guineas here back in March. Loves the Flemington track (5-3-1-0) and will enjoy getting back here after the Memsie Stakes fourth at Caulfield. Step back up to a mile will suit, drawn wide but should matter little in this race with winners coming from all over the field over the years. Great Win Rate (44%), Flemington specialist and looks overs.

2^nd

#1 Hartnell ($1.80)

Cannot leave the odds-on favourite out of the top two. Hartnell is a genuine star and has proven that over the years. The first-up win last time out was impressive, but also hinted that he had plenty left for a big spring bid. Gets the chance to become just the second favourite since 2008 to salute and the first to back directly up off a PB Lawrence Stakes win since Pompeii Ruler (2006). Well performed at a mile (8-3-2-0) so will eat-up the extra metres on Saturday.

3^rd

#5 Gailo Chop ($18)

As we said, there’s value for the punters this Makybe Diva Stakes Day. Sure, Weir saddles-up Black Heart Bart in this who is out to peak three runs back, but think there’s a cheeky race in Gailo Chop after the seven-year-old’s confidence boosting black-type win in Adelaide a fortnight ago. Chases the Penny Edition – Makybe Diva Stakes double achieved by Southern Speed in 2012 and is a Group 1 winner at Flemington from 2015. Has only had a handful of races since then, but looks like he’s back to his best. Was eight lengths beaten in the Lawrence Stakes two back, but he’s the improver that can surprise.

Back our exclusive Makybe Diva Stakes 2017 tips or lock in your own Flemington racing selections at the hottest weekend racing odds now through Ladbrokes.com.au.