Dominant Doncaster Mile win for Sheza Alibi

The seasoned trainer Peter Moody was not often emotional during Black Caviar's tenure, but he was visibly moved after Sheza Alibi's impressive conquest of the Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Randwick.

Starting from close to the tail of the 16-horse lineup, the $1.90 top pick looked to have plenty of work to do at the top of the straight, yet she swiftly passed her opponents and drew further ahead to win from Autumn Boy ($10) by 4¼ lengths and growing.

Having launched his career at Randwick with famed trainer T J Smith and looking after 1988 Doncaster winner Lygon Arms, Moody highlighted the personal resonance of the result.

"I remember my time with T J and that's why it's always special. Randwick was always home to me," Moody said.

"I've been blessed to train one of the greatest we have ever seen, but this filly is just amazing. I'm not saying she is Black Caviar, but how good.

"She is just a special, special horse. Crikey. Where's the ceiling? You don't know."

Sheza Alibi joined Sunline from 1999 as the latest three-year-old filly to take out the Doncaster Mile, confirming her elite potential.

Unbeaten mare Autumn Glow bypassed the race for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, denying the blockbuster duel, but Moody looks forward to it eventually.

"I'm happy Autumn Glow wasn't here, I can tell you that," Moody said.

"She's a superstar and we saw her strut her stuff here earlier in the day.

"The day will probably come – let's hope it does for Australian racing – where they meet."

Acquired via online sale for only $10,000 post a debut defeat at Rockhampton in a maiden, Sheza Alibi boasts seven wins in 10 attempts now.

According to Moody, her appearance belies her talent.

"She is so nondescript. She doesn't stand out in the yard. She doesn't stand out at home in training. She is just a tradesman, she's got a great hip, a big deep girth and a hell of a lot of ability," he said.

Rider Jamie Melham, notching another Doncaster Mile victory following Cascadian's in 2021, raved about the filly.

"I've sat on some very special horses before, but I don't think any come close to the feel she just gave me then," Melham said.

"What a horse. I trialled her the other day and she gave me a nice feel, but with blinkers on today, Jesus Christ. I've never sat on a horse that has given me goosebumps like that before."

In view of over 15,000 fans, Sheza Alibi owned the event, with Autumn Boy resilient in second and Chris Waller’s $41 chance Militarize third, 1¼ lengths off the runner-up.

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