Trainer Darren Weir has selected Humidor as the pick of his four runners in today’s Group 1 $750,000 PFD Food Services Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington but stablemate Kings Will Dream has overtaken him in the betting.

Humidor, above in green colours, is trainer Darren Weir's pick of his four runners in the 2018 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.

Humidor, above in green colours, is trainer Darren Weir’s pick of his four runners in the 2018 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.

Race morning betting at Ladbrokes.com.au has seen Kings Will Dream firm in from $4.50 to be the second favourite at $4.40 while Humidor has drifted in the market from $3.90 to be the third pick at $4.60.

The James Cummings trained Kementari has secured favouritism at $4.20.

Humidor, Kementari and Kings Will Dream are lining up against each again after there was only a nose splitting each the three placegetters when they finished first, second and third in the Group 1 $1m New Zealand Bloodstock Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on September 1.

Weir will also saddle up outsiders Black Heart Bart ($26) and Tosen Basil ($34) in the Makybe Diva Stakes.

Both Humidor and Kings Will Dream are winners over the Flemington 1600m course but both of Humidor’s wins have been at Group 1 level in the $1.5m Australian Cup during the 2017 Melbourne Autumn Carnival and last year’s Makybe Diva Stakes.

“Humidor’s in great shape and he loves Flemington — he’s my preference as I think it’s more of a suitable race for him,” Weir told the Herald Sun.

Weir said that the inside barrier will again be to Humidor’s advantage after he returned to the winner’s stall in the Memsie Stakes from barrier three.

“He’s been drawing a gate, and as a result he hasn’t been racing with his head on his side,” Weir said.

In contrast, Kings Will Dream has drawn barrier ten in the twelve horse Makybe Diva Stakes and Weir is yet to mapped out a definite race plan for the Caulfield Cup favourite.

“I’ll look at the form and have a chat with form experts and work out what to do,” Weir said.

“Kings Will Dream looks terrific and he’s still got a lot more to come.”

Memsie Stakes winning jockey Damian Lane sticks with Humidor while John Allen will be aboard Kings Will Dream again.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.