Peter Moody was rarely moved to tears during the career of Black Caviar, but the veteran trainer couldn’t hide his emotion after Sheza Alibi delivered a stunning victory in the Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Randwick.
Settling near the rear of the 16-horse field, the $1.90 favourite appeared to have an enormous task ahead turning for home, but within a few strides she had rounded up her rivals before surging clear to defeat Autumn Boy ($10) by a widening 4¼ lengths.
Moody, who began his career at Randwick under legendary trainer T J Smith and strapped 1988 Doncaster winner Lygon Arms, said the victory held special significance.
“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 became the first three-year-old filly since Sunline in 1999 to win the Doncaster Mile, stamping herself as one of the most exciting horses in training.
The anticipated clash with unbeaten mare Autumn Glow did not eventuate, with connections opting for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes instead, but Moody is hopeful the showdown will happen in the future.
“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.”
Purchased online for just $10,000 after being beaten on debut in a Rockhampton maiden, Sheza Alibi has now won seven of her 10 starts.
Moody said there is little about her physically that screams champion.
“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.
Jockey Jamie Melham, riding her second Doncaster Mile winner after Cascadian in 2021, was blown away by the filly’s performance.
“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 front of a crowd exceeding 15,000, Sheza Alibi dominated the race, while Autumn Boy was gallant in defeat and Chris Waller’s Militarize ($41) held on for third, 1¼ lengths behind the runner-up.
