Gerald Ryan is fully aware of the considerable expertise of rival trainer Peter Moody, and he is not underestimating the chances of Sheza Alibi, the favourite for the Golden Eagle, despite the unconventional preparation the former Black Caviar conditioner has orchestrated.
Sheza Alibi stands as the solid $1.80 favourite for the $10 million feature race this Saturday, having drawn barrier six, which is seen as an ideal gate. However, there have been whispers concerning her build-up.
The mare will be dropping back 500 metres from her last start, where she narrowly missed victory behind Land Legend in a demanding Caulfield Stakes (2000m) on October 10. This is in contrast to the more moderate distance adjustments made by many of her key rivals.
Several horses, including Apocalyptic, Skyhook, and Beiwacht, utilised the Silver Eagle (1300m) as their final stepping stone towards the Golden Eagle (1500m). Autumn Boy is coming off the Epsom Handicap (1600m), and European import Amazing Journey is making his seasonal debut, having last raced over 1408m at Ascot in July.
Skyhook, trained by Ryan, is currently quoted at $13. The Rosehill-based trainer believes his horse is perfectly prepared but does not believe Sheza Alibi’s preparation will render her vulnerable.
“She’s going to be hard to beat,” Ryan said.
“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 claimed the C F Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 11, 2012, and then, just seven days later at Flemington, she comfortably accounted for Hay List and Buffering in the Lightning Stakes (1000m).
Sheza Alibi will have had three weeks to recover and prepare since her last run, aiming to secure Moody his second Golden Eagle title, following the victory of I Wish I Win in 2022.
Skyhook has also been kept relatively fresh since his placing in the Silver Eagle behind Apocalyptic, though the wide draw in barrier 16 presents a significant obstacle.
“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.”
Saturday’s Randwick meeting will also host the Group 2 Russell Balding Stakes (1300m), where the defending champion Jimmysstar has drawn wide in barrier 16, with only Sydney Stakes winner Grafterburners drawn to his outside.
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