Sheza Alibi's Breathtaking Doncaster Mile Victory Brings Tears to Trainer Peter Moody
Peter Moody, the renowned trainer celebrated for guiding the undefeated champion Black Caviar, is rarely moved to tears, but he was unashamedly emotional after superstar filly Sheza Alibi delivered a breathtaking performance in the Doncaster Mile that left spectators in awe. Settling near the tail of the 16-horse field, the $1.90 favourite had many lengths to make up as she rounded the home turn, yet she took just a handful of bounds to gather in her opposition, streaking clear to defeat Autumn Boy ($10) by a widening 4-1/4 lengths.
Moody's Emotional Return to Randwick and Racing History
Moody, who hails from the Queensland country town of Charleville but cut his teeth in racing at Randwick, reached racing's highest echelons with Black Caviar. He worked for the legendary TJ Smith, strapping 1988 Doncaster winner Lygon Arms, and was thrilled to return almost 40 years later to claim the race as a trainer, in partnership with Katherine Coleman. "I remember my time with TJ 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."
Historic Achievement and Future Prospects
Sheza Alibi became the first three-year-old filly to win a Doncaster Mile (1600m) since the mighty Sunline in 1999. While a hoped-for clash with unbeaten mare Autumn Glow did not eventuate, as connections opted for next week's Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) instead, Moody is excited for the potential matchup. "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."
From Humble Beginnings to Racing Stardom
A $10,000 online purchase who was beaten on debut in a maiden at Rockhampton, Sheza Alibi has now won seven of her 10 starts. Moody notes that there is nothing physically remarkable about her, making her success all the more astounding. "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's Perspective and Race Day Highlights
Jockey Jamie Melham secured his second Doncaster Mile triumph, having guided Cascadian to victory in 2021. Despite having to waste hard to get down to Sheza Alibi's 49kg handicap, it proved worth the effort. "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 of over 15,000, Sheza Alibi was in a race of her own, but Autumn Boy was game in defeat, while his Chris Waller-trained stablemate Militarize ($41) stuck on well for third, 1-1/4 lengths behind the runner-up.
