3 minute read

A Group 1 bonanza awaits on Day One of The Championships at Royal Randwick on Saturday with nine Group races to be contested on the thrilling ten-race card. 

The time honoured Doncaster Mile (1600m), Australian Derby (2400m), TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) and Inglis Sires' (1400m) have attracted strong fields on an anticipated good (4) to soft (5) racing surface.  

Our best bet comes up in the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m), with the untapped Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman-trained filly SHEZA ALIBI.

The exciting three-year-old Saxon Warrior filly will be attempting to become the first filly since Sunline in 1999 to win the prestigious Mile Handicap on the limit weight of 49 kilograms.

Sheza Alibi had no favours in the Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m), when forced three wide early before she settled midfield and circled the field for a highly impressive victory against the boys, shooting clear by 3.2 lengths.

The filly confirmed herself as a future weight-for-age star after the Randwick Guineas win, in what was a fast run contest and rated as one of the strongest Randwick Guineas on record.

From the sticky gate on Saturday (13), expect to see Jamie Melham push forward and attempt to get cover early before unleashing her devastating turn of foot over the rise and justify the $2 favouritism.

Our next best comes up in the Group 1 Inglis Sires' (1400m), with the Chris Waller-trained CAMPIONE D'ITALIA.

The two-year-old Snitzel colt was having his third race start in the Group 1 Golden Slipper when he drifted back to last in a fast run contest, before angling to the outside where he powered late to finish an unlucky fourth.

Campione D'Italia has given the impression from day one that he will be better over this trip and further, and the booking of James McDonald is a good guide to his chances.

SYDNEY SPECIALS

Race 8 NO. 15 - SHEZA ALIBI

Race 6 No. 4 - CAMPIONE D'ITALIA