Barrier 13 fails to dim Sheza Alibi's Doncaster Mile prospects

Even from gate 13, Sheza Alibi has the potential to become the most backed three-year-old filly in 100 years for the Group 1 $4 million Doncaster Mile (1600m) set for Royal Randwick on Saturday.

Trained by Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman, Sheza Alibi shortened just a touch to $2.10 top pick after Tuesday's vital barrier draw, as rival Autumn Boy shortened from $6 into $5 with the rail position.

"I've eased Sheza Alibi slightly to $2.10, not because she drew a little wide but her main rival Autumn Boy has the rails barrier," TAB Fixed Odds spokesman Tim Ryan said.

"I don't think Sheza Alibi's barrier is a disadvantage but Autumn Boy is probably going to settle in front of her.

"But I would not be surprised if Sheza Alibi starts shorter on raceday as she is very popular with our punters and over 70 percent of the all-in money is on her."

Valicare stands alone as the only three-year-old filly to start odds-on in a Doncaster, prevailing at 5/4 on ($1.80) in distant 1926.

In more recent times, Sunline set the benchmark for fillies, winning her debut Doncaster in 1999 from 10/9 ($2.10).

The legendary mare Winx took out the 2016 edition as a four-year-old at $1.80 favouritism.

The Doncaster Mile boasts 16 final entrants, and key moments from Tuesday's barrier draw stood out:

Moody, enshrined in the Hall of Fame, once "led in" a Doncaster champion as a teenage strapper for Lygon Arms under Tommy Smith in 1988.

"I haven't had much exposure in the Doncaster as a trainer," Moody told Racing And Sports.

"But I was strapper for Lygon Arms all those years ago. TJ knew how to win the race and obviously we would love to win it."

The trainer expressed little alarm at Sheza Alibi landing barrier 13 for the Doncaster.

"Sheza Alibi can settle midfield, three-deep with cover," Moody said.

"She's done really well since winning the Randwick Guineas and she won't get into a handicap with 49kg again so we sort of had to go to the Doncaster.

"Jamie (Melham, jockey) rode her in a trial last week so she's had the opportunity to put the filly through her paces and we are very pleased with her preparation."

The training partnership of Moody and Coleman fields Victorious Spirit and Bingi in the Group 1 $2 million ATC Australian Derby (2400m).

"Victorious Spirit is going well, he just got covered wide last time," Moody said.

"I think Victorious Spirit and Bingi will improve for the Derby."

In the Randwick showpiece, Godolphin's Observer sits at $3 favourite, seeking to emulate Hitotsu (2022) and Riff Rocket (2024) as the third in four years for the VRC Derby-ATC Australian Derby success.

Find competitive racing odds on the Doncaster Mile at leading online bookmakers.