Gerald Ryan acknowledges the exceptional skill of rival trainer Peter Moody, even with the less conventional preparation Moody has employed for Sheza Alibi, the favourite for the Golden Eagle.
Sheza Alibi is the firm $1.80 pick for the $10 million feature this Saturday, having secured a favourable barrier six. However, there have been discussions regarding her recent training regimen.
The mare will compete over 500 metres less than her previous start, where she finished a close second to Land Legend in the gruelling Caulfield Stakes (2000m) on October 10. In contrast, most of her main competitors are facing much smaller reductions in distance.
Several contenders, including Apocalyptic, Skyhook, and Beiwacht, utilized the Silver Eagle (1300m) as their final preparation for the Golden Eagle (1500m). Autumn Boy is coming off the Epsom Handicap (1600m), and the European import Amazing Journey makes his debut, having last raced over 1408m at Ascot in July.
Skyhook, trained by Ryan, is currently fourth in betting at $13. While the Rosehill conditioner believes his horse is in peak condition, he dismisses suggestions that Sheza Alibi’s preparation might leave her vulnerable.
“She’s going to be hard to beat,” Ryan stated.
“She’s Peter Moody trained, and while I know it was Black Caviar, he did bring that mare back from 1400 to 1000 in a week and won the Lightning. He knows what he’s doing.”
Black Caviar secured the C F Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 11, 2012, and returned seven days later at Flemington to decisively defeat Hay List and Buffering in the Lightning Stakes (1000m).
Sheza Alibi will have had a three-week break since her last outing, aiming to secure a second Golden Eagle title for Moody, who previously trained I Wish I Win to victory in 2022.
Skyhook has also had a relatively relaxed period since finishing second to Apocalyptic in the Silver Eagle, though a wide draw in barrier 16 presents an added challenge.
“He came through his last run really well. He ate his feed, and he’s worked terrific, and pulled up well,” Ryan commented.
“He’s not a big, robust horse. He doesn’t need a lot of work.”
The Randwick program on Saturday will also showcase the Group 2 Russell Balding Stakes (1300m). Defending champion Jimmysstar has drawn the outside in barrier 16, with only Sydney Stakes winner Grafterburners positioned to his immediate outside.
For those looking to back a winner on Saturday, consider the exciting racing odds available at Australian betting sites.