The Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman-trained Sheza Alibi is set for a manageable introduction to 2000-metre racing at Caulfield this Saturday.
While Group 1 races are inherently competitive, Sheza Alibi will face a field of just five rivals in the Might And Power Stakes.
This event appears to be the perfect opportunity for Sheza Alibi to gain experience over the 2000-metre distance, providing her trainers with valuable insights into her future prospects over similar trips.
Furthermore, with a degree of fortune, this race should be less demanding than competing in a larger field with the substantial allure of the $10 million prize in The Golden Eagle (1500m) at Randwick on October 31, a significant target for Moody, Coleman, and owner Fred Noffke.
Coleman expressed her enthusiasm regarding Sheza Alibi’s return to racing on Saturday, following her decisive victory in the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on September 12, particularly concerning the mare’s condition.
Equally, Coleman is eagerly anticipating Sheza Alibi’s performance over the 2000-metre distance this weekend.
“It will be interesting (the trip), and my gut feel is she will relish it,” Coleman stated.
“Until they actually do it under race pressure, you always have a little question mark in the back of your head, but she has given us every indication that she’s going to appreciate it.”
Following Saturday’s engagement, the intention is to revert to the 1500-metre distance of The Golden Eagle.
The decision to contest Saturday’s race was strategic, serving a dual purpose.
Moody preferred not to push Sheza Alibi too hard post-Makybe Diva Stakes with a direct shot at The Golden Eagle, and this race allows the team to assess the mare’s capabilities over 2000 metres.
It will also offer crucial information on whether Sheza Alibi possesses the stamina for even longer distances in the future.
Coleman highlighted Sheza Alibi’s enjoyable nature as a trainee, noting her innate understanding of when to focus on trackwork and when to prepare for competition.
“She’s got a fantastic will to win which all the good horses have,” Coleman remarked.
“She’s quite funny. She’s quite relaxed in her trackwork and she doesn’t go out there and run amazing times every day and look like a champion on the track.
“She just goes about her business every day and gets the job done, saving it for race day.”
Coleman acknowledged the quality of the Chris Waller-trained Birdman, a dual Group 1 victor over 2000 metres, but indicated that none of the remaining four competitors would be underestimated.
“It will be interesting to see how the race sets up,” Coleman commented.
“He (Birdman) is a quality horse, and we have a lot of respect for him.”
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