Caulfield Cup-bound Godolphin galloper Hartnell is nearing odds-on territory in futures betting for his next spring run, the Makybe Diva Stakes 2017 to run on September 16.
Hartnell is the current $2 favourite in 2017 Makybe Diva Stakes betting markets. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos
A perennial placegetter to champion mare Winx over the past few season’s, the seven-year-old Authorized import is now prepared by James Cummings and kicked off his campaign in fine style last weekend.
The $4.1 million earner was too good fresh at Caulfield, jockey Craig Williams guiding Hartnell home for a two and a quarter length win over Charmed Harmony (2nd) and Black Heart Bart (3rd) in the Group 2 P.B. Lawrence Stakes (1400m).
The stable has confirmed a second-up run at Flemington Racecourse midway through next month in the Group 1 $750,000 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m).
Pre-nomination Makybe Diva Stakes odds at Ladbrokes.com.au firmed on Hartnell following his resuming win and the horse is already at a short $2 to make it two-from-two this time in.
Prior to the P.B. Lawrence Stakes Hartnell’s last win was over subsequent Caulfield Cup champ Jameka at Flemington in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) last October.
He backed-up from that to finish runner-up behind the Chris Waller superstar Winx in the Group 1 Ladbrokes Cox Plate (2040m).
Winx is heading towards a shot at a third straight Cox Plate triumph this Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival after the mighty mare came from last-to-first first-up in the Warwick Stakes making it 19 wins on the trot.
Hartnell will avoid a Cox Plate clash this time around and is instead earmarked for his maiden run in the Group 1 $3 million BMW Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 21.
A genuine stayer he will have no worries over the mile and a half distance after his brave third to Almandin in the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) last November.
The other early fancies for the Makybe Diva Stakes are Black Heart Bart ($9) and Hey Doc ($9).
Darren Weir’s five-time Group 1 winner Black Heart Bart will have an earlier run Saturday week in the Group 1 $1 million Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield, a race he is the $6 second favourite behind The Goodwood winner Vega Magic ($5) to take out.
Tony McEvoy’s Australian Guineas winner Hey Doc is also single-figures for the Memsie Stakes 2017 paying $7 and will have an exhibition gallop between races at Moonee Valley this Saturday to bring him on for the race.
As for all-in Caulfield Cup betting, Hartnell is the $9 top fancy sitting ahead of Japanese raider Admire Deus ($15) and Weir’s Australian Cup winner Humidor ($15).
The 2017 Caulfield Cup nominations, along with those for the Melbourne Cup, close on August 29.
To back Hartnell next race in the Makybe Diva Stakes 2017 and to check out the full Group 1 spring odds on offer head to our preferred sportsbook Ladbrokes.com.au.
