Sheza Alibi steps up to 2000m test at Caulfield

Sheza Alibi, prepared by Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman, is slated for a relatively straightforward introduction to the 2000-metre distance at Caulfield this Saturday.

While Group 1 events are never a simple affair, Sheza Alibi will face a compact field of only five other contenders in the Might And Power Stakes.

This particular race should serve as an ideal trial for Sheza Alibi to experience racing over 2000 metres, simultaneously offering her trainers a gauge of her suitability for the trip in subsequent races.

Ideally, it will prove less arduous than competing in a larger field with the significant $10 million prize associated with The Golden Eagle (1500m) at Randwick on October 31, a race that holds considerable appeal for Moody, Coleman, and owner Fred Noffke.

Coleman conveyed her excitement for Sheza Alibi's return to the track on Saturday, particularly given her impressive performance to win the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on September 12, noting the mare's excellent condition.

Just as enthusiastically, Coleman is keen to observe Sheza Alibi tackling the 2000-metre journey on Saturday.

"It will be interesting (the trip), and my gut feel is she will relish it," Coleman remarked.

"Until they actually do it under race pressure, you always have a little question mark in the back of your head, but she has given us every indication that she's going to appreciate it."

The subsequent plan involves a return to the 1500-metre distance for The Golden Eagle.

Saturday's race was selected due to its dual advantages.

Moody did not wish to over-exert Sheza Alibi following her Makybe Diva win before heading to The Golden Eagle, and the Caulfield race provides the team a chance to evaluate the mare at 2000 metres.

It will also offer valuable insights into Sheza Alibi's potential to handle even longer distances in the future.

Coleman described Sheza Alibi as a pleasure to train, highlighting her ability to discern between trackwork mode and race mode.

"She's got a fantastic will to win which all the good horses have," Coleman shared.

"She's quite funny. She's quite relaxed in her trackwork and she doesn't go out there and run amazing times every day and look like a champion on the track.

"She just goes about her business every day and gets the job done, saving it for race day."

Coleman holds significant respect for the Chris Waller-trained Birdman, a horse with two Group 1 victories over 2000 metres, though she is not taking the remaining four rivals lightly.

"It will be interesting to see how the race sets up," Coleman added.

"He (Birdman) is a quality horse, and we have a lot of respect for him."

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