Early Australian Guineas favourite Sheza Alibi is set to bypass the Australian Guineas and potential match-up with star colt Observer after co-trainer Peter Moody announced a surprise change to the filly’s autumn campaign.
Moody confirmed Sheza Alibi will not resume as planned on Saturday, a decision that effectively rules her out of the Australian Guineas.
“I’ve just had a chat with the ownership group of Sheza Alibi, Mr Fred Noffke, and we are not going to run her on Saturday, which makes it highly unlikely she will take her place in the Australian Guineas,” Moody told racing.com.
“It’s more than likely she will run in the (G2) Armanasco Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday week en route to the Randwick Guineas (March 7).”
“I just thought another week. She’s a filly that carries good condition.”
“She worked super (on Tuesday morning) but just had a little bit more of a blow than I thought.”
“She looks very well but maybe just a tad too well, so we made the decision.”
Sheza Alibi was $5 with Bet365 for the Australian Guineas, alongside Planet Red. Observer, who was super impressive on Saturday winning the Group 2 Autumn Stakes, is the $2.50 favourite with Bet365.
