Trainer Bjorn Baker was thrilled to emulate his father Murray in winning the Australian Derby (G1) April 4 as Godolphin colt Green Spaces (Street Boss) continued his sire's hot run of success with a dominant victory.
Well supported at AU$4.40 and ridden superbly by Rachel King, Green Spaces settled midfield while a moderate pace was set by Godolphin's more fancied runner Observer, the AU$3 favorite.
So dominant in winning the VRC Derby (G1) last spring and the Australian Guineas (G1) earlier this preparation, Observer was a beaten force by the 300 meters as another son of Ghaiyyath, Storm Leopard (AU$4.60), took the lead soon after straightening.
But while that AU$4.60 chance gave his backers hope early in the straight, Green Spaces was unwinding with an irresistible run down the center of the track, and he came away to win by 3.2 lengths.
Dezignation—the rank outside of the field at AU$151—again showed trainer Matt Smith's knack with longshots in major races, finishing stoutly to be the best of the rest in second place, while Storm Leopard held on for third, and Observer managed fifth.
Sheza Alibi Dismantles Doncaster Mile Field
Peter Moody was left pinching himself after Sheza Alibi confirmed herself as the latest superstar filly in his care with an unforgettable victory in Saturday's Doncaster Mile (G1) at Randwick.
Sheza Alibi, the AU$10,000 weanling purchase for her sole owner, central Queensland grazier Fred Noffke, pushed her earnings to AU$3.7 million with her seventh victory in 10 starts, her fifth win in a row, and her second group 1 in succession.
And she did it in emphatic, effortless style, making a field of quality older milers look second-rate.
Jumping from gate 13 of 16 for Jamie Melham under her featherweight 49 kilograms, Sheza Alibi settled second-last as a solid pace was set up front. She came as the widest runner around the home turn, but in just a few strides after the 350 meters, the filly flew past her rivals to turn the event into a procession, streaking home to score by 4.3 lengths as the AU$1.90 favorite.
In doing so, she put herself in rarified company, becoming the first 3-year-old filly to take Australia's greatest mile race since the mighty Sunline won the first of her two Doncasters in 1999.
And with the ease of her victories, including a 3.2-length romp in the Randwick Guineas (G1) at her previous start, Sheza Alibi has quickly earned mention among some extremely illustrious names.
She'll not finish unbeaten, thanks to three minor placings in her formative first five starts, but Moody was still left pondering how lucky he is to have the rising star, having also trained the 25-from-25 phenomenon Black Caviar.
"I've been blessed to train one of the greatest we'll ever see, but this filly is just amazing," Moody said. "I'm not saying she's Black Caviar, but that was just—how good?"
Campione D'Italia Cements Stud Future with Sires' Produce Success
Newgate-China Horse Club colt Campione D'Italia might not yet have the champion status hinted by his name, but proved himself a special colt in the making with a commanding victory in Saturday's ATC Sires' Produce Stakes (G1) at Randwick.
After a poor tenth on debut was followed by a barnstorming win in the Skyline Stakes (G2), Campione D'Italia was one of the unlucky runners of the Golden Slipper (G1), drifting back to last by the home turn but making up many lengths to finish a 2.1-length fourth behind Guest House.
The run indicated the extra 200 meters of the Sires' would be ideal, and that's how it panned out for the Chris Waller-trained juvenile.
Drifting late to lose favoritism and jump as an AU$4.20 second elect, the half-million dollar yearling was taken back again from barrier three by James McDonald, settling eighth of the 13.
With only a moderate tempo set, McDonald improved a few places on the fence by the home turn and eased into the clear at the 350 meters. At that point, he still had five lengths to make up as leader Rachini found the kick expected after an easy time in front.
But Campione D'Italia settled in for the fight and hauled in Rachini at the 150, and had enough in reserve at the end to win by 0.8 lengths from Gai Waterhouse and Adrain Bott's fast-finishing AU$15 shot Miss Chanel.
Plantiff Remains Unbeaten
Unbeaten filly Plaintiff took out the P J Bell Stakes (G3) at Randwick.
Trained by Peter Snowden and ridden by Jordan Childs, the filly made it four wins from four starts when she stormed home on the outside to defeat Nepo Baby by a 1/2 length, with Tomato Toastie a further 1/2 length away in third.
Bred by Widden Stud and partners, Plaintiff was purchased for AU$2.2 million by James Harron Bloodstock at Inglis Easter in 2024 and is the best of three winners from three foals to race out of Tattersalls Tiara (G1) winner Prompt Response.
Prompt Response sadly died last year, adding further significance to the win today, with Plaintiff being her final foal. Still lightly raced, she has shown a sharp turn of foot in each of her victories and shapes as a filly with considerable upside.
