Sheza Alibi has firmly announced her arrival as one of Australia’s top thoroughbreds with a stunning performance in the Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington.
The mare, under the care of Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman, achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first female galloper to conquer the Makybe Diva since its elevation to Group 1 status in 2013.
Sent out as the firm $1.60 favourite with Luke Nolen in the irons, Sheza Alibi powered away to a commanding 2-¾ length victory. Autumn Boy ($20) finished second, with Another Wil ($101) a further neck behind in third.
The race unfolded ideally for Sheza Alibi, with her sharp beginning on Saturday allowing Nolen to position the mare closer to the speed.
Coleman mentioned that Sheza Alibi can sometimes be slow away from the barriers, a characteristic observed when she was brilliant in the Doncaster Mile at Randwick in April, and also when she finished second to Autumn Glow in the Winx Stakes at Randwick first-up after drawing an inside gate.
“She began better today, she put herself there, travelled sweetly,” Coleman said. “It was a beautiful ride by from Luke and he had her in that position where she was going to be able to get mobile when he needed to.”
“She loves defying history, this girl, and I think she’s going to continue to do it as her career progresses. She looked like she did that quite easily today, when you look at the horses that she was up against. She is very, very special and it means so much to our stable.”
Coleman added that Sheza Alibi has undergone considerable physical improvement since her two Group 1 wins last season.
“She’s probably come back more of a finished product this time around. She’s always been a lovely horse to look at, but she has developed, is bigger and stronger and hopefully we continue to see that.”
With the prestigious Cox Plate at Flemington this year, Coleman was asked if that race was a potential target for Sheza Alibi.
However, with the lucrative $10 million on offer in The Golden Eagle (1500m) at Randwick the following week, Coleman suggested that contest remains a highly appealing option.
“I would say we’re still geared towards the Golden Eagle but never make decisions on race day,” she declared.
Nolen, who partnered the undefeated Black Caviar in most of her 25 victories and has a long association with many of Moody’s top Group 1 performers, admitted he is unsure of Sheza Alibi’s ultimate capabilities.
“We don’t know her ceiling yet, so that’s the exciting part of it. Outwardly she doesn’t stand out, even as a trackworker she doesn’t stand out, but she’s all racehorse.”
The Makybe Diva Stakes is a premier event, and you can compare the latest racing odds from various Australian betting sites.
