Sheza Alibi retains the possibility of being the tightest favourite ever for a three-year-old filly in a Doncaster history spanning 100 years, despite copping barrier 13 in Saturday’s Group 1 $4 million Doncaster Mile (1600m) over Royal Randwick.
Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman’s charge eased a fraction to $2.10 market leader post Tuesday morning’s pivotal barrier allocation, with key opponent Autumn Boy contracting from $6 to $5 off the inside barrier.
“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.”
Back in 1926, Valicare became the lone three-year-old filly to dispatch odds-on status in the Doncaster, scoring at 5/4 on ($1.80).
No filly in the modern age has beaten Sunline’s starting price when she secured her first Doncaster in 1999 from 10/9 ($2.10).
Winx, the powerhouse mare, was a four-year-old $1.80 elect when victorious in the 2016 Doncaster.
Tuesday’s barrier draw for the 16-horse Doncaster Mile field produced various talking points:
Moody, a Hall of Fame figure, “led in” past winner Lygon Arms as a 19-year-old attendant for trainer Tommy Smith 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.”
Regarding the 13 barrier for Sheza Alibi in the Doncaster, Moody downplayed any issues.
“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.”
The duo of Moody and Coleman also saddles Victorious Spirit and Bingi in the Group 1 $2 million ATC Australian Derby (2400m).
“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 runner Observer leads at $3 for the classic at Randwick, aiming to follow Hitotsu (2022) and Riff Rocket (2024) in the VRC Derby-ATC Australian Derby double within the last four years.
Discover the latest betting markets for the race ahead of the Doncaster Mile.
