The same weekend that star mare Sheza Alibi is set to be tested beyond a mile for the first time, her younger half-brother, Nomadic, will also face a similar distance challenge.
The latter is slated to get an opportunity to shine in the Sydney spring carnival at Rosehill, with a potential return to Group One racing on the cards.
Nomadic is among the acceptors for the Gloaming Stakes (1800m) on Saturday. A strong showing in this race would all but secure him a start in the Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick two weeks afterwards.
His participation in the Gloaming Stakes follows a maiden win at Kembla Grange. In that race, the three-year-old competed against older horses, settled handy, and then showed grit to overhaul Van Hoven, trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott.
“He had to dig deep to fight off Gai’s horse, but I think he went better ridden more positively and put up on speed,” John Thompson stated.
“They beat the rest of them a fair way.
“We’ll try him over a bit further and see how he handles it.”
Thompson is keen for Nomadic to again take up a forward position in the Gloaming Stakes, which has attracted a field of 12 runners. Among them are the Ming Dynasty Quality winner Persian Wonder and the Dulcify Stakes quinella finishers, Wonka and Genesis Runner.
While this race represents an increase in grade for Nomadic, he did finish third behind Southend and Persian Wonder in the Group 3 Baillieu (1400m) during the autumn. He also wasn’t disgraced when finishing fifth to Fireball in the Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m).
Just as Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman are testing the middle-distance capabilities of Sheza Alibi in Saturday’s Might And Power Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield, Thompson is uncertain how Nomadic will handle Saturday’s rise in journey. However, his three runs this campaign suggest he is a staying type.
“He looks like it. Whether he is or not, I don’t know,” Thompson said.
“But he’s in great order. He came through that run like he hadn’t had a run, so fingers crossed.
“He’s a valuable colt if he comes good.”
Sheza Alibi and Nomadic are both out of the Shaft mare Sheza Gypsy, who recorded six wins, all in country New South Wales.
Betting on the Gloaming Stakes is now open at Australian betting sites.