Peter Moody seldom showed tears throughout Black Caviar’s illustrious career, yet the experienced handler struggled to contain his feelings following Sheza Alibi’s remarkable success in the Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Randwick.
Positioned towards the back of the 16-runner group, the $1.90 market leader seemed to face a daunting challenge entering the straight, but she quickly overtook competitors and powered away to beat Autumn Boy ($10) by an increasing 4¼ lengths.
Moody, who started his training journey at Randwick alongside iconic figure T J Smith and handled 1988 Doncaster victor Lygon Arms, noted the win carried extra importance.
“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 marked the first three-year-old filly to claim the Doncaster Mile since Sunline back in 1999, establishing her as a standout talent among current runners.
The expected matchup against undefeated mare Autumn Glow failed to materialise as her team chose the Queen Elizabeth Stakes instead, though Moody anticipates a future encounter.
“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.”
Bought online for a mere $10,000 following a debut loss in a Rockhampton maiden, Sheza Alibi has secured seven victories from 10 outings.
Moody indicated few physical traits suggest superstar status.
“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, securing his second Doncaster Mile success after Cascadian in 2021, was astounded by the filly’s display.
“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.”
Before more than 15,000 spectators, Sheza Alibi controlled the contest, Autumn Boy fought bravely in second, and Chris Waller’s Militarize ($41) grabbed third, 1¼ lengths adrift of the placegetter.
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