“The right move”: J-Mac endorses Makybe Diva plan for Via Sistina

James McDonald is delighted Via Sistina will follow the same path to the Cox Plate as last year.

The superstar mare has been confirmed to run in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday.

Chris Waller Racing announced that the 10-time Group 1 champion will tackle the mile with McDonald set to ride, and the gun hoop is all for it.

“It’s good for her CV to commit to the Makybe. Obviously it’s a tried and true formula for Chris and his good horses through to a Cox Plate,” McDonald said on SENTrack & RSN’s Giddy Up.

“It’s a traditional lead-up all the way through and hopefully she gets to the big one (Cox Plate) unscathed.

“We’re happy Via is going because she is the reigning Horse of the Year, her record speaks for itself.

“It’s the right move for sure, especially to get her down there earlier and give her a run in the Makybe into the Turnbull into the Cox Plate.

“It’s the perfect lead-up, just like last year.”

After Yulong’s other star mare Treasurethe Moment came out of the race due to colic, the decision has been made to send Via Sistina to Melbourne.

She has immediately been posted as a firm $1.80 favourite with Sportsbet ahead of Aeliana at $2.80 and Antino at $6.

Waller will also saddle up Aeliana who McDonald was initially booked to ride. Treasurethe Moment’s regular rider Damian Lane will now partner with the Castelvecchio mare.

Via Sistina was last seen at headquarters when winning the Champions Stakes (2000m) on the final day of the Flemington carnival last November.

She ran fifth behind Mr Brightside in last year’s Makybe Diva on a Heavy 9. Her Flemington record is three starts for two wins.

The Cox Plate champ won the Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) first-up at Randwick on August 23.

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