Sheza Alibi remains on track to potentially start one of the shortest-priced favourites for a three-year-old filly in a century despite drawing barrier 13 in Saturday’s Group 1 $4 million Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Royal Randwick.
The Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman-trained filly eased marginally to $2.10 following Tuesday’s barrier draw, while her key rival Autumn Boy firmed from $6 into $5 after securing the inside gate.
“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.”
The last time a three-year-old filly started odds-on in the Doncaster was in 1926 when Valicare saluted at $1.80, while in the modern era, Sunline holds the benchmark after winning at $2.10 in 1999.
Champion mare Winx, although a four-year-old, also started $1.80 favourite when taking out the 2016 edition.
This year’s Doncaster Mile has attracted 16 final acceptors, with four three-year-olds dominating betting—Sheza Alibi ($2.10), Autumn Boy ($5), Sixties ($13, barrier 16) and Attica ($15, barrier 3).
History shows wide barriers are no major disadvantage in the race, with 16 winners in the past 30 years jumping from gate 10 or wider, including Mr Brightside (barrier 18 in 2022) and Brutal (barrier 18 in 2019).
Barriers 12 and 16 have been particularly successful in that period, recording three wins each. Evaporate (NZ) has drawn barrier 12 this year, while Sixties will jump from the outside.
Moody, a Hall of Fame trainer, reflected on his limited involvement in the race.
“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.”
He also expressed confidence that Sheza Alibi can overcome her draw.
“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.”
Moody and Coleman will also have two runners in the Group 1 ATC Australian Derby (2400m) with Victorious Spirit and Bingi.
“Victorious Spirit is going well, he just got caught wide the other day,” Moody said.
“I think Victorious Spirit and Bingi will improve for the Derby.”
Meanwhile, Godolphin colt Observer remains the $3 favourite for the Randwick classic as he attempts to complete the rare Victoria Derby–Australian Derby double, following in the footsteps of Hitotsu (2022) and Riff Rocket (2024).
Punters looking to back runners in the Doncaster Mile and Australian Derby can compare markets and promotions across the leading Australian betting sites to secure the best available odds.
