Gerald Ryan knows better than to underestimate the genius of rival trainer Peter Moody, despite the unconventional preparation Black Caviar’s former conditioner has given Golden Eagle favourite Sheza Alibi.
The latter is a solid $1.80 favourite for Saturday’s $10 million feature after drawing ideally in barrier six, but there remains rumblings about her build up.
The mare will drop 500m in distance after finishing a narrow second to Land Legend in a stamina-testing renewal of the Caulfield Stakes (2000m) on October 10, while the majority of her main rivals are dealing with significantly smaller adjustments in trip.
Apocalyptic, Skyhook and Beiwacht all used the Silver Eagle (1300m) as their final Golden Eagle (1500m) lead-in, Autumn Boy is coming through the Epsom Handicap (1600m) and European import Amazing Journey is first-up, his most recent start over 1408m at Ascot in July.
The Ryan-trained Skyhook is on the fourth line of betting at $13, and while the Rosehill horseman doesn’t believe his charge could be any better, he isn’t buying into the theory Sheza Alibi’s preparation might make 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 took out the C F Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 11, 2012, and backed up seven days later at Flemington to comfortably atone for Hay List and Buffering in the Lightning Stakes (1000m).
Sheza Alibi will have had three weeks to freshen-up from her last run in a bid to deliver Moody his second Golden Eagle title after I Wish I Win was successful in 2022.
Skyhook has also been given a relatively easy time since his Silver Eagle placing behind Apocalyptic, although a wide draw in barrier 16 has made his task more difficult.
“He came through his last run really well. He ate his feed, and he’s worked terrific, and pulled up well,” Ryan said.
“He’s not a big, robust horse. He doesn’t need a lot of work.”
Saturday’s Randwick program will also feature the Group 2 Russell Balding Stakes (1300m) where defending titleholder Jimmysstar has drawn wide in barrier 16, with only Sydney Stakes victor Grafterburners to his outside.
