Sheza Alibi still a hot chance despite drawing out

Sheza Alibi could still start the shortest favourite for a three-year-old filly in 100 years despite drawing barrier 13 in the Group 1 $4 million Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

The Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman-trained Sheza Alibi eased slightly to $2.10 favourite after Tuesday morning’s crucial barrier draw with main rival Autumn Boy firming from $6 to $5 after he drew 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 only occasion a three-year-old filly started odds-on in a Doncaster was when Valicare won at 5/4 on ($1.80) way back in 1926.

In the modern era, no filly has started shorter than Sunline when she won the first of her two Doncasters in 1999 at 10/9 ($2.10).

Mighty mare Winx was a four-year-old when she won the 2016 Doncaster as a $1.80 favourite.

There are 16 final acceptors for the Doncaster Mile and the highlights of Tuesday’s barrier draw included:

Moody, a Hall of Fame trainer, has “led in” a Doncaster winner – albeit as a 19-year-old strapper of the Tommy Smith-trained Lygon Arms in 1988.

“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.”

Moody said he wasn’t overly concerned by Sheza Alibi’s 13 barrier in the Doncaster.

“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 also have two starters in the Group 1 $2 million 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.”

Godolphin’s Observer remains the $3 favourite for the Randwick classic as he attempts to become the third horse in four years to complete the VRC Derby-ATC Australian Derby double after Hitotsu (2022) and Riff Rocket (2024).