J-Mac – Waller told me to go to Melbourne

The world’s best jockey, James McDonald, was told to go to Melbourne for the Makybe Diva Stakes day despite having a handful of potential Group 1 winners in Sydney on Saturday.

McDonald will ride the Makybe Diva favourite, either Aeliana or Via Sistina, over the Flemington mile on Saturday after Treasurethe Moment was taken out of the Group 1 because of a bout of colic on Monday.

“Chris Waller told me I should go to Melbourne for the Group 1 a while ago, which was pretty good advice,” McDonald told Betsy. “When he said that, I knew I would be a very good chance of winning it, even if the other horse was there.”

“I will have six or so rides [at Flemington] but there are some good ones I’m leaving in Sydney. Autumn Glow, Autumn Boy, Joliestar, and Wodeton, so I will be watching the television a bit on Saturday.”

It remains unclear what McDonald will ride in the Makybe Diva Stakes with Via Sistina and Aeliana at the top of betting but only one is likely to run.

Yulong-owned Via Sistina was added to the Maybe Diva Stakes nominations after it was clear Treasurethe Moment wouldn’t be able to take her spot in the Group 1 in green silks.

Aeliana is already at Waller’s Carbine Lodge stable at Flemington.

McDonald will also ride Lazzura, which is the well-backed favourite for the Let’s Elope Stakes.