The Might And Power Stakes has once again lived up to its reputation as a favourite’s graveyard, with another top elect faltering at Caulfield.
The $1.40 market leader, Sheza Alibi, was the latest to go down in the Group 1 2000m weight-for-age contest on Saturday. This follows the defeats of Treasurethe Moment ($1.60) last year, Mr Brightside ($1.75 in 2024), and Zaaki ($1.28 in 2021).
To add to the shock, Saturday’s winner Land Legend was sent off a $61 outsider, with only Torranzino ($101) deemed a longer shot.
Guided to the front by jockey Ethan Brown, Land Legend held on bravely to beat Sheza Alibi by a short-head. Birdman ($4.40) finished a further 1-¼ lengths back in third, clocking a new course record of 2.00.30.
Trainer Ciaron Maher observed that Land Legend clearly appreciated the Good 3 track conditions on Saturday, which had been upgraded from a Good 4 after three races.
“He ran his best race for us on a firm deck at Flemington, I think it was, and we thought with a muddling tempo we would go forward,” Maher explained. “I said to Brownie to keep him happy as he has a lot of fights with a lot of riders in trackwork and on race day.”.
He added, “I thought it was a race where they might leave him alone, but I didn’t know he was going to go that quick. He did look happy during the run. He had his ears pricked. He was going quick, but he looked like he was enjoying himself, and so did Brownie.”.
Maher continued, “I thought coming down the side he’ll have a kick. I’m just thrilled.”
Maher also disclosed that the decision to transfer Land Legend from the Cranbourne stable to their Ballarat headquarters was a joint one by him and his team.
He indicated that working on the uphill track at Ballarat has yielded significant benefits for the imported galloper.
“We thought we would move him up there because he can be a bit unruly and we thought just doing a bit extra every day up that hill gallop would be ideal,” Maher said. “I think he’s been up it three times this week. I didn’t come to the races thinking I was going to win a Group 1 today, but I’m thrilled.”
A third attempt at the Caulfield Cup is now being considered by Maher, though he expressed concerns about the capacity field of 18 runners and the tight turning nature of the track to the first bend.
Land Legend finished third in the 2024 Caulfield Cup, but came last in the race the previous year.
“It was the right set-up today,” Maher commented. “The Caulfield Cup can be a charge of the light-brigade to the first bend which wouldn’t really suit him. So, whether he runs in a Caulfield Cup and a Cox Plate, or whether he runs in the Cox Plate, it’s a good problem to have. It’s good to have him back in form.”
Luke Nolen, who partnered Sheza Alibi, stated that he was not disappointed with the mare, noting it was her first foray at the 2000m distance.
The mare will now be rested before being targeted towards The Golden Eagle (1500m) at Randwick on October 31.
“For a race of no speed we found a bit,” Nolen said. “I came back to follow Birdman, she was good and solid through the line. She’s ticked that 2000-metre box, just hopefully the run hasn’t taken too much of a toll for the race in three weeks, but I was very proud of her today.”
Following this surprise victory, Land Legend is now a notable contender, and checking the latest racing odds at Australian betting sites is a smart move for punters.
