Trainer Chris Waller has declared Via Sistina a certain starter in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes.
Via Sistina, a 10-time Group 1 winner, was withdrawn from a Sydney barrier trial on Tuesday as part of a rearranged spring program.
Instead, she was given a piece of work at Rosehill ahead of being sent to Melbourne later in the week.
“She galloped well this morning and I am happy with her fitness levels,” Waller said.
Leading jockey James McDonald will switch from ATC Australian Derby winner Aeliana to continue his association with Via Sistina at Flemington on Saturday.
Damian Lane takes the mount on Aeliana after the four-year-old stretched Via Sistina when they clashed for the first time in the Winx Stakes at Randwick last month.
The decision to switch Via Sistina to Melbourne rather than wait for the $1 million 7 Stakes at Randwick on September 20 followed the Makybe Diva defection of Treasurethe Moment.
The Yulong-owned mares had been put on separate paths to the Cox Plate in a move that ruled out a Makybe Diva start for Via Sistina.
But a minor bout of colic has forced trainer Matt Laurie to reset Treasurethe Moment’s spring, creating another Group 1 opportunity for the reigning Australian Horse of the Year.
