Waller Set to Unleash Five Runners in Makybe Diva Stakes – Trifecta News Summary:

- Champion trainer Chris Waller is primed to saddle up as many as five runners in Saturday's Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington, headlined by Cox Plate hopeful Autumn Boy.

- Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman's mare Sheza Alibi remains a warm favourite, with Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott's Sir Delius the second pick.

- Four-time Makybe Diva chaser Mr Brightside is out to make history with an unprecedented fourth-straight win in the 1600m weight-for-age feature.

Autumn Boy Leads the Waller Charge

The Caulfield Guineas winner and Cox Plate contender Autumn Boy shapes as Waller's leading Makybe Diva Stakes fancy after an unlucky first-up run at Caulfield in the Memsie Stakes. 

James McDonald's mount galloped strongly on the Flemington course proper on Tuesday alongside stablemates Buckaroo and Birdman.

"He's a good miler, a Guineas winner and James was happy with his first-up run," Waller said. "He didn't get a lot of luck over the first 200m at Caulfield. He's come on well, he's fitter for the run and visibly he looks a little bit tighter, which is how I want him to look."

The wide-open Flemington mile is expected to suit the colt down to the ground, with his quote reflecting his upside heading into the spring carnival's key lead-up races.

Buckaroo and Birdman Weigh Underwood Detour

Waller confirmed either Buckaroo or Birdman may bypass the Makybe Diva for the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Sandown on September 19. 

Buckaroo won that same feature in 2024 before running second in it last year, while Birdman claimed the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes over 1800m in autumn.

Both galloped home strongly behind stablemate Beiwacht in the leader-dominated Memsie Stakes, giving Waller confidence they can rise sharply in trip.

"The mile will suit them both better, we may split one of them for the Underwood," Waller said. "We'll just see how they draw, what the race is like and which one might be held back."

Aeliana Bids to Go One Better

Last year's Makybe Diva Stakes runner-up Aeliana is an outsider to return to the winners' stall after finishing second to subsequent Cox Plate and Champions Stakes queen Via Sistina in 2024. 

The mare was slightly disappointing first-up in the Group 1 Winx Stakes but has trained on well since.

"Sectional times probably suggested they went a bit quicker than she was comfortable with and she just got a little tired late," Waller explained. "Nash Rawiller said the last 200m was fine, so based on what he said and her recovery, I'm happy with her."

Star-Studded Field Awaits

Punters will be spoiled for choice with Sheza Alibi installed as the favourite in current Makybe Diva Stakes betting, ahead of Sir Delius, Mr Brightside and Treasurethe Moment. 

Mr Brightside is chasing racing immortality with a fourth-consecutive Makybe Diva victory.

"Sheza Alibi is a superstar, she had a tough run first-up but I'm sure she'll come on well from it," Waller said. "Mr Brightside was awesome first-up and a few of ours there as well … it will be a great race."

The final field is set to be declared on Wednesday.

*Odds are subject to change.