Winning Post - Letter Of The Week Archive

That kooky Australian Pattern Committee has been at it again with this week’s elevation of the Makybe Diva Stakes to Group 1 level. Chairman Alan Brown points out that the Makybe Diva "plays an important role in the Melbourne spring carnival", which it does — as a lead-up to the real Group 1s.

It also meets the Asian Pattern Committee’s criteria, which apparently make it impossible for any race beyond 1600 metres to get bumped up.

Like this year’s other faux Group 1s, the Makybe Diva will be worth just $350,000. Surely any new Group 1 should have to carry at least half a mil in prizemoney.

Mitch Matheson
Castlemaine (Vic)

Today's Racing

Friday 26 April

Ararat