Barrier 13 has not quelled hopes that Sheza Alibi could script history as the shortest favourite from a three-year-old filly in a Doncaster across the last century, in the Group 1 $4 million Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Royal Randwick Saturday.
Sheza Alibi, under the care of Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman, adjusted to $2.10 favourite after the Tuesday barrier reveal, as Autumn Boy – her primary foe – firmed from $6 to $5 with gate one.
“I’ve eased Sheza Alibi slightly to $2.10, not because she drew a little wide but her main rival Autumn Boy has the rails barrier,” TAB Fixed Odds spokesman Tim Ryan said.
“I don’t think Sheza Alibi’s barrier is a disadvantage but Autumn Boy is probably going to settle in front of her.
“But I would not be surprised if Sheza Alibi starts shorter on raceday as she is very popular with our punters and over 70 percent of the all-in money is on her.”
The unique case of a three-year-old filly at odds-on in the Doncaster belongs to Valicare, who won at 5/4 on ($1.80) in 1926.
Sunline holds the modern filly record, kicking off her Doncaster brace in 1999 from 10/9 ($2.10).
As a four-year-old, mighty mare Winx dominated the 2016 Doncaster from $1.80.
With 16 acceptors confirmed for the Doncaster Mile, Tuesday’s draws delivered standout features:
Hall of Fame trainer Moody “led in” Lygon Arms after its 1988 Doncaster success, serving as strapper at age 19 for Tommy Smith.
“I haven’t had much exposure in the Doncaster as a trainer,” Moody told Racing And Sports.
“But I was strapper for Lygon Arms all those years ago. TJ knew how to win the race and obviously we would love to win it.”
Moody remained unperturbed by Sheza Alibi’s draw of 13 in the Doncaster Mile.
“Sheza Alibi can settle midfield, three-deep with cover,” Moody said.
“She’s done really well since winning the Randwick Guineas and she won’t get into a handicap with 49kg again so we sort of had to go to the Doncaster.
“Jamie (Melham, jockey) rode her in a trial last week so she’s had the opportunity to put the filly through her paces and we are very pleased with her preparation.”
Additionally, Moody and Coleman run Victorious Spirit alongside Bingi in the Group 1 $2 million ATC Australian Derby (2400m).
“Victorious Spirit is going well, he just got caught wide the other day,” Moody said.
“I think Victorious Spirit and Bingi will improve for the Derby.”
For the Randwick Derby, Godolphin’s Observer is the $3 pick, chasing the VRC Derby-ATC Australian Derby double emulated by Hitotsu (2022) and Riff Rocket (2024) in recent times.
Top online bookmakers offer extensive betting sites for the Doncaster Mile action.