On The Punt: Best bets for Makybe Diva Stakes meeting at Flemington

News Corp form analyst Chris Vernuccio is keen to bet in the Makybe Diva Stakes and thinks a Lloyd Williams galloper can win the Archer Stakes.

Herald Sun and Racenet form analyst Chris Vernuccio looks at the Makybe Diva Stakes meeting at Flemington on Saturday.

BEST BET

VIA SISTINA (R8 No.8 – $2.30)

Via Sistina made a statement of intent with her Group 1 Winx Stakes win over 1400m and she’s only going to improve stepping up in distance. Interestingly, she is yet to win when racing left-handed in three attempts in the UK but she looked outstanding in her Flemington gallop on Thursday morning.

• Early Oil: Flemington tips for Makybe Diva Stakes day

NEXT BEST

GROWING EMPIRE (R4 No.1 – $1.90)

Growing Empire coasted to victory first-up in the McNeil Stakes when he was eased down 50m from the winning post. He just has to handle the Flemington straight to be winning again.

VALUE BET

POST IMPRESSIONIST (R5 No.2 – $7.50)

English import Post Impressionist made an eye-catching return when fourth at Flemington in a slowly run race, and owner Lloyd Williams would have had a circle around the rescheduled The Archer, which offers the winner a Melbourne Cup berth. He was a big winner on debut in the Group 3 Manion Cup in March before failing to back-up in the Group 1 Tancred Stakes.

THE JOCKEY

CRAIG WILLIAMS

HEADWALL (R1 No.3 – $19), WONDER BOY (R2 No.1 – $2.50), FOREVERINTIME (R3 No.15 – $126), NDOLA (R4 No.9 – $10), DASHING DUCHESS (R5 No.7 – $7.50), MAKRAM (R6 No.7 - $13), WOLLOMBI (R7 No.7 - $8), MR BRIGHTSIDE (R8 No.1 - $3.10), KEATS (R10 No.7 - $14).

Originally published as On The Punt: Best bets for Makybe Diva Stakes meeting at Flemington