Trainer Gerald Ryan is well aware of the considerable talent possessed by rival horseman Peter Moody, and he is not dismissing the chances of Sheza Alibi, the favourite for the upcoming $10 million Golden Eagle, despite her unconventional preparation.
Sheza Alibi is currently the commanding $1.80 favourite for the prestigious race this Saturday, having drawn barrier six, which is considered advantageous. However, there has been some commentary surrounding her build-up to the event.
The mare is set to race over 500 metres less than her prior outing, where she narrowly finished second to Land Legend in the testing Caulfield Stakes (2000m) on October 10. This move comes as many of her principal rivals are making much smaller adjustments to their race distances.
A significant portion of the field, including Apocalyptic, Skyhook, and Beiwacht, used the Silver Eagle (1300m) as their final preparatory race for the Golden Eagle (1500m). Autumn Boy is stepping up from the Epsom Handicap (1600m), and the imported galloper Amazing Journey is making his seasonal debut after a run over 1408m at Ascot in July.
Skyhook, representing the Ryan stable, is listed at $13 in the betting. The trainer indicated that while his charge is in excellent condition, he is not convinced that Sheza Alibi’s preparation will pose a significant vulnerability.
“She’s going to be hard to beat,” Ryan declared.
“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.”
Flashback to February 11, 2012, when Black Caviar captured the C F Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield. Just seven days later, she delivered a commanding performance at Flemington to defeat Hay List and Buffering in the Lightning Stakes (1000m).
Sheza Alibi has been afforded a three-week freshen-up since her last race, with the objective of delivering Moody his second Golden Eagle title, following the success of I Wish I Win in 2022.
Skyhook has also experienced a relatively measured campaign since his second-place finish in the Silver Eagle behind Apocalyptic, although a wide barrier draw of 16 presents a considerable challenge.
“He came through his last run really well. He ate his feed, and he’s worked terrific, and pulled up well,” Ryan stated.
“He’s not a big, robust horse. He doesn’t need a lot of work.”
The Randwick racing program this Saturday will also host the Group 2 Russell Balding Stakes (1300m). The defending champion Jimmysstar has drawn the outside gate in barrier 16, with only the Sydney Stakes winner Grafterburners positioned to his immediate outside.
Consider the competitive racing betting markets for Saturday’s feature races at your preferred betting markets for the race.