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.
Visit online bookmakers to find the best betting markets for the race like the Doncaster Mile.
More Racing News
Flemington's Turnbull Stakes faces tricky track conditions
The Turnbull Stakes is a crucial event for the future spring campaigns of numerous participants.Adding to the complexity of this Group 1 2000m race, held under set weights and penalties at Flemington, is the heavy track forecast.The Flemington track was recorded as a Heavy 9 on Friday morning, following 52mm...
Clarken aims for third Murray Bridge Cup with Cicala
Trainer Will Clarken is targeting his third triumph in the main event at Murray Bridge.Having previously celebrated wins with Agreeable in 2022 and Cartoon Graveyard in the preceding year, Clarken, who now trains with Charlotte Sorby, will present Cicala for the Listed Murray Bridge Gold Cup (1600m) this Saturday. Cicala's...
King's Secret shows promise for Premiere Stakes
Joe Pride's initial spring strategy for King's Secret involved steering clear of Sydney's elite sprinters, but the gelding's two recent performances have prompted a change of direction.The five-year-old made a significant late surge when fourth to Tempted in the Concorde Stakes (1000m). He followed this with another strong effort, finishing...
Fully Lit eyes Epsom Handicap triumph after last year's near miss
While the celebrated Autum Glow won't be returning to defend her Epsom Handicap title, the path to redemption for last year's second-place finisher, Fully Lit, remains challenging.The esteemed mile event has drawn a competitive field, notably featuring the accomplished Group 1 winner Ceolwulf, the previously unbeaten New Zealander Well Written,...
Chris Waller and David Payne set for Flight Stakes clash with promising fillies
A compelling contest is brewing for the Flight Stakes at Randwick, as Rosehill neighbours Chris Waller and David Payne prepare to pit their talented fillies, Striking Alibi and Bangkok Hottie, against each other once more.Bangkok Hottie has a perfect record against her rival so far, having clinched victory in both...
Fitzsimmons weighs Flemington or Gunbower options for Onesmoothoperator
The ultimate destination for Onesmoothoperator, Flemington or Gunbower, will be dictated by the prevailing weather conditions and the subsequent state of the Flemington track.Trainer Tim Fitzsimmons expressed a resignation to the likelihood of substantial rainfall at Flemington before Saturday, which would leave the track in a saturated condition.According to Flemington...
Flying start anticipated for Sydney's juvenile season
Sydney's initial two-year-old contenders are set to make early statements at Randwick, with a familiar racing operation expected to have the strongest representation.Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott are preparing five young horses for the two juvenile races. Their colts, Flying Houdini and Stasis, are entered for the Breeders' Plate (1000m),...
Mbube's straight-course practice at Flemington
Mbube is well-prepared for the Flemington straight, having had ample practice ahead of his run in the Danehill Stakes.Trainer Lloyd Kennewell capitalised on the opportunity when the Flemington straight was opened for outside horses participating in Saturday's Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1100m).The Danehill Stakes represents a significant lead-in to the...
Flemington track conditions won't deter She's A Hustler's Caulfield Cup lead-up
Grahame Begg acknowledges that a rain-affected Flemington track is far from ideal for She's A Hustler, but the mare is still on track for her Caulfield Cup preparation.According to Flemington track manager Liam O'Keeffe, the course could receive as much as 50mm of rain in the coming days, potentially pushing...
Kerrin McEvoy confident Bangkok Hottie can triumph in Flight Stakes
Despite securing victories in the intermediate legs of the four-race Princess Series, Bangkok Hottie is not the market favourite for the concluding event at Randwick. Pundits are currently favouring Striking Alibi to exact revenge.Striking Alibi remains a strong contender in the betting at $2.60, slightly ahead of Bangkok Hottie at...