Makybe Diva
 

She finished 7th of 12 and didn't run on as expected, still going ahead with the Tenno Sho however.

i was just about to ask if anyone knew of a site on how she went...quite annoying...at least the odds on her in the Tenno Sho will be bigger

how did you find out, Testa?

Chuck,

http://210.168.85.50/cgi-bin/db2www...d=06&race_no=11

she finished at 1.5L.

or you can try here:
http://www.jra.go.jp/english/races/results.html

when the result are posted which will give the horse In Running positions. I believe they may even have the video replay of the race once its posted on the site. Its all in English.

The Diva was beaten 5 lengths carrying top weight of 59kg & starting odds on :(

The winner was Suzono March who ran a time of 2:00.1 for the 2000M.

Reported she sweated up really badly before the race, was unsuited by the hard ground, tight turning circuit & the slow early pace of the race. Connections were obviously still disapointed & will wait & see how she pulls up before deciding on a start in the Group1 $3 million Tenno Sho (Emperor's Cup) to be run over 3200m at Kyoto on May 1.

Understand the Diva was also found to be in season as per after race inspection. Wouldn't get too concerned about her performance in the April Stakes as connections have said all along that the race was a lead-up to the Emperor's Cup and she will be better suited by the roomier Kyoto track and of course the 3200M.

It’s official. Makybe Diva will push on in her Japanese campaign toward the $3.1 million G1 Tenno Show (Emperor's Cup) 3200M at the Kyoto Racecourse on May 1.

Spot on stantheman! According to the latest press release, it has been established that the Diva was on season on Sunday and Lee Freedman believes this was the biggest factor for her disappointing performance.

Why didn't they scratch her then ???

bit hard after the race

So, an experienced horseman like Lee Freedman wouldn't know what's happening wih his best horse?

She may have needed the run regardless after the trip and to keep her on track for the Cup. No one can be expected to win every time, not even the Diva. Her hit rate is phenomenal compared with most 3200 metre horses.

She had everything against her. First start overseas, dropping back in distance, Handicap race, tight firm track, she sweated up badly and wanted to tanboot, and she still was only 5 lengths from them. She will do us proud in the Tenno Sho i have no doubt about that.

Yep, I think you summed it up very nicely Mr ed. Go the Diva!