THE bookmakers have been eyeing up the fields this week and have bypassed the Group 1 Golden Rose and instead have targeted the $400 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington.
With a maximum field of 17 runners, the potential payouts are huge and it's easily the best betting field and meeting of the day this Saturday.
Showing just how even the field is, our four bookmakers have all chosen a different runner and we might just throw them in a boxed first four for the huge return.
They give us their day's best, value runner and lay of the day for meetings all across Australia on Saturday.
Makybe Diva tips and analysis
WilliamHill.com.au – Entirely Platinum ($13)
“Was only just caught in the shadows of the post in the Memsie when resuming. Goes at least as well second-up and looks set to dictate from the front here. Chance for that elusive Group I here.”
CrownBet.com.au – Rising Romance ($10)
“A dry track at Flemington is a very different story to a soft track at Caulfield. The 1600m is ideal, barrier 1 could be an issue but want to be on a horse drawn the inside six barriers in this race.”
Sportsbet.com.au – Boban ($4.60)
“Beat a similar line-up to last start, will be fitter for that experience and will appreciate the firm surface at Flemington. Expecting him to get a lovely trail into the race and be too good over the concluding stages.”
Bet365.com – Happy Trails ($11)
“Worked home nicely under a hold in the Memsie Stakes when didn't have the clearest path home. Expect him to settle closer from the better draw and look for him to be coming at them hard late.”
Bookmakers' day's best and value runners
Bet365.com selects Artibai at $5 (Race 1, Rosehill)
“Improved at each of its three runs this prep and should be peaking here. Has the services of champion jockey Joao Moreira who should be able to pull him around them in the straight and charge over the top.”
Value runner – Sebrina (Race 3, Rosehill)
“Should have finished much closer when resuming in slighter tougher grade. Goes up in weight and has drawn a bit wide but happy to take the double figure price and hope Joao Moreira gets his share of luck.”
Sportsbet.com.au selects Northern Zhar at $2.30 (Race 4, Morphettville)
“In a race lacking depth he is the proven performer .Fitter for his first-up run, the 1200m now is ideal and I expect him to be hitting the line hard and winning.”
Value runner – Churchill Dancer (Race 6, Flemington)
“Very impressive last start and could springboard off that run to bigger and better things. Sits on the minimum weight and each-way looks the way to go.”
WilliamHill.com.au selects Nancy at $2.40 (Race 8, Rosehill)
“Unluckily beaten at the midweeks when resuming. Strips fitter and whilst this is harder, looks to have plenty of upside and should be able to use this race as a stepping stone to bigger and better things.”
Value runner – Platinum Rocker (Race 8, Flemington)
“Former WA mare that has shaped well at both her runs in Melbourne. Now steps up to her favourite distance and comes back to mares' grade. Drawn to get a nice run and looks good value.”
CrownBet.com.au selects Press Statement at $3.40 (Race 6, Rosehill)
“Chris Waller noted that he was underdone first-up yet he still ran within 1-1/2 lengths of Exosphere. He's a professional racehorse that positions well in the run and therefore gives punters every chance.”
Value runner – De Little Engine (Race 9, Flemington)
“Has been given a freshen up after winning the Banjo Patterson Final in July. Can run fast sectionals fresh so the price on offer makes him an attractive each-way proposition.”
Bookmakers' lay of the day
Petis Filou (Race 1, Flemington)
“Smart filly unbeaten in three runs however she is now deep into her first campaign and having first run up the straight. Worth risking at her current price.”
Iggmacool (Race 9, Flemington)
“Settled just behind the leaders last start at Caulfield, hugged the rail and again found a way to get beaten. Will appreciate Flemington, but with a big field, we expect it to find traffic again.”
Prince Of Brooklyn (Race 3, Flemington)
“He was only fair when resuming and the market indicated more was expected. There are some improving horses here that I think will stake their claims for the better races.”
Nancy (Race 8, Rosehill)
“Lightly-raced mare stepping up in grade. While she did look unlucky last start and probably should have won, she will get back again and give some consistent types a start. Happy to risk her here.”