At Caulfield Racecourse on Saturday, Land Legend secured a surprise victory in the Group 1 Might And Power Stakes over 2000 meters, setting a new track record of 2:00.30. The $71 outsider led from start to finish in a tactically strong ride by jockey Ethan Brown, marking his first major win in two years. Land Legend’s trainer, Ciaron Maher, described the horse as "a legend now," underscoring the significance of the breakthrough performance.
Finishing just a head behind Land Legend was Sheza Alibi, who delivered a gallant effort despite the defeat. Trained by Peter Moody, Sheza Alibi demonstrated strong stamina over the 2000 meters, a promising indication for future races, particularly the $10 million Golden Eagle at Rosehill Gardens on October 31. Following the race, Sheza Alibi’s odds for the Golden Eagle shifted slightly from $1.60 to $1.80, reflecting a minor reassessment of her chances.
Moody acknowledged the quality of the race and the toughness of the conditions. “They’ve run a course record time; I would have liked a softer run today," he said, noting that the race pace might not have been ideal for his horse’s recovery ahead of the Golden Eagle. He added that Sheza Alibi "ran good" and "ran gallant," and while Land Legend had the better day, Moody remained optimistic about future contests. “As long as his arse points to the ground, he’d never beat her again, but he’s had his day in the sun,” Moody remarked.
During the race, Sheza Alibi attempted to chase down Land Legend in the home straight, traveling strongly outside the pacemaker Birdman. However, despite gaining ground late, she was unable to close the gap. Moody indicated he would reassess the horse’s campaign based on how she recovers in the coming weeks, with a potential return to Sydney for the Golden Eagle.
The Might And Power Stakes featured a small field of six runners, with Land Legend’s front-running tactic proving decisive. The race highlighted both the emergence of Land Legend as a formidable competitor and Sheza Alibi’s endurance and consistency over middle distances. The rivalry and performance dynamics between the two horses have set the stage for a highly anticipated rematch in the upcoming Golden Eagle, where further strategic adjustments are expected.