Punches in bunches as Weir takes on Hartnell

TRAINER Darren Weir will throw down the Makybe Diva Stakes gauntlet to Hartnell with a trio of Group 1 winners – Black Heart Bart, Humidor and Gailo Chop – at Flemington on Saturday.

While Australian Cup winner Humidor will use the Makybe Diva (1600m) to build fitness and form ahead of the Caulfield Cup, Black Heart Bart and Gailo Chop shape as Weir’s better chances.

“It’s a nice race for Black Heart Bart but, for the other two, it’s about getting the right runs into them, getting up in distance,” Weir said.

“It was good to see Gailo Chop win last start.

“It was a lot weaker race (the Penny Edition at Morphettville) but he went well.

“Humidor’s good. We’ll just keep building after the Makybe to the Underwood and then Turnbull.”

Hartnell will return to Flemington for the first time since finishing third in the Melbourne Cup behind Almandin in November.

Godolphin’s Australian flag-bearer will be ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, who replaces Craig Williams.

Williams, who partnered Hartnell to first-up success in the Peter Lawrence Stakes at Caulfield last month, will ride Ciaron Maher’s Jukebox in the Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1200m).

Williams had been booked for Jukebox before Lindsay Park changed plans and decided to contest the Danehill with Blue Diamond winner Catchy.

Catchy, a Fastnet Rock filly who won her first three starts, will now be partnered by Regan Bayliss.

She has been ridden by Williams in each of her starts, for four wins from six attempts, including the Blue Diamond triumph in February.