Via Sistina’s spring campaign has taken yet another turn, with Chris Waller confirming the mare will now head south for Saturday’s $750,000 Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington.
The Winx Stakes heroine was originally pencilled in for Sydney’s 7 Stakes, but Yulong management shifted plans after stablemate Treasurethe Moment was forced out of the Makybe Diva due to a mild colic episode earlier in the week.
Waller confirmed the change shortly before Via Sistina was due to trial at Rosehill on Tuesday morning. “Via Sistina will not trial this morning and will instead race in the Makybe Diva Stakes this Saturday at Flemington,” he said. “She galloped well this morning and I am happy with her fitness levels. James McDonald will take the ride and Damian Lane will ride Aeliana.”
Her stablemate Aeliana, runner-up in the Winx Stakes, is also among the 12 entries for Saturday’s Group 1 alongside Mr Brightside, Antino, Another Wil and Tom Kitten. Fangirl, meanwhile, has returned to Sydney following her below-par Memsie Stakes effort and will be aimed at the King Charles III Stakes (1600m).
While the shift rules Via Sistina out of Sydney’s 7 Stakes, connections still have the Group 2 Golden Pendant (1400m) as a possible option on the way to October’s $5 million King Charles III Stakes.
Early markets for the Makybe Diva Stakes and the spring features are available now via leading Australian betting sites.
