Sheza Alibi, a four-year-old mare trained by Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman, is set to compete in the Group 1 Golden Eagle at Royal Randwick on Saturday, aiming to secure a $5.25 million winner’s prize. A victory would push her career earnings close to $10 million, a remarkable ascent given that she was originally purchased for just $10,000 by Queensland cattle farmer Fred Noffke at an online sale in 2023.
Moody, who was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame last year, emphasized a focused approach ahead of the race, highlighting the mare’s solid form and fitness. “She’s taking her place in as good a shape as any of the starts since I’ve had her,” he said, noting that she had a light workout last Thursday and a sharp 600-metre breeze on Tuesday to fine-tune her readiness.
Sheza Alibi’s preparation for the Golden Eagle has included a runner-up finish to Autumn Glow in the Winx Stakes, a win in the Makybe Diva Stakes, and a narrow second place in the Might And Power Stakes. The mare will revert to the 1500-metre distance of the Golden Eagle after contesting 2000 metres in her most recent start. Moody acknowledged that the longer race was more demanding than anticipated but expressed confidence in her ability to perform at the shorter trip.
The trainer also addressed questions around the form of Land Legend, who defeated Sheza Alibi at track-record speed in the Might And Power but performed poorly in a subsequent Cox Plate. Moody suggested that Land Legend’s inconsistent performances should raise concerns, saying he “probably should be barred and made to barrier trial before racing again.”
Moody brings considerable experience to the event, having previously won the Golden Eagle in 2022 with I Wish I Win. He is also well known for his success with horses racing in Sydney, including the renowned sprinter Black Caviar.
Adding a meaningful element to this year’s campaign, Sheza Alibi will race in support of the Royce Simmons Foundation, which focuses on dementia research. Simmons, a former rugby league player and coach, is battling dementia, and Moody expressed admiration for his courage and resilience. “It would be a huge honour if we could get the result today and help Royce’s foundation with the fantastic work they are doing,” Moody said.
Starting as a $1.80 favorite, Sheza Alibi will be ridden by jockey Luke Nolen. Among her main challengers are Group 1 winners Beiwacht and Autumn Boy, who are positioned second in the betting market. Moody acknowledged the strength of the competition, particularly from Chris Waller, who consistently prepares horses for major Sydney races. “We’ll need to be at our best but I’m confident she is. Now we just need a bit of luck to go our way,” Moody remarked ahead of the race.