HIGH-class Warrnambool-trained gallopers Black Heart Bart, Humidor, Tosen Basil and Kings Will Dream are rated top hopes in the $750,000 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington on Saturday, according to Jarrod McLean.
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McLean, who is the Warrnambool foreman for the powerful Darren Weir satellite stable, saddles up four of the 12 runners in the Group 1 Classic over 1600 metres.
“I find it really tough to separate our four horses,” he said.
“They’re all top horses and I can make a solid case for any of the four to win.
“Humidor was a strong Memsie winner last time. I rate Humidor the second-best horse in Australia.
“Black Heart Bart and Kings Will Dream were a shade unlucky in the Memsie. The three horses have all trained on well since the Memsie.
“Tosen Basil is making his Australian debut. He’s aimed at the Melbourne Cup but has worked solidly in the lead up to the Makybe. I think Tosen Basil is the horse with the wow factor in a tough race.”
Among Weir’s big contingent of Warrnambool trainer horses on the nine race program is Cliff’s Edge who lines up in an 1100-metre race.
The lightly raced four-year-old pleased McLean with his first-up run at Caulfield.
“The form guide shows Cliff’s Edge ran 10th last time but the run was better than it looked,” he said.
“Cliff’s Edge finished just over four lengths from the winner in an unsuitable race.
“He’ll be better suited to the 1400 metres and has strong second up form. He’s a quality horse and I think he should have a good campaign.”
Symon Wilde’s galloper Dodging Bullets is having his second run from a break for the Warrnambool trainer.