Gr1 Might And Power Stakes Preview

A compact field of six promises no shortage of intrigue in Saturday’s $1 million Gr1 Might And Power over 2000m at Caulfield, where Sheza Alibi faces her first test beyond 1600m and meets a proven middle-distance performer in Birdman, while Treasurethe Moment adds another layer of quality to a race that could have implications extending deep into the spring. Sheza Alibi has rapidly established herself among the country’s elite, following her first-up second to Autumn Glow in the Gr1 Winx Stakes with a dominant victory in the Gr1 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington, and co-trainer Peter Moody has deliberately used this race to answer the distance question before the mare drops sharply back to 1500m for the Golden Eagle. According to racing.com, Moody believes the 2000m assignment will provide valuable information for future campaigns, particularly with races such as the Australian Cup potentially on the agenda. Sheza Alibi has drawn the outside gate in six and carries 56kg under weight-for-age conditions, with Luke Nolen retaining the ride. Her principal danger appears to be Birdman, whose claims received a substantial boost when the horse he defeated decisively in the Gr1 Underwood Stakes, Cosmic Crusader, subsequently won the Gr1 Turnbull Stakes. Birdman (see below) draws barrier two for Ben Melham and Chris Waller, and connections have made no secret of their belief that the five-year-old is capable of testing the favourite before heading towards the Cox Plate. Treasurethe Moment brings her own elite credentials, having already won four Gr1 races and finishing runner-up to Pride Of Jenni in the Gr2 Feehan Stakes at her latest appearance, while last year she demonstrated her ability over this course and distance when second in the Might And Power before subsequently producing a strong Cox Plate performance. She carries 57kg from barrier three for Daniel Stackhouse. Kingswood, Torranzino and Land Legend complete the field, with Kingswood arriving off a solid campaign and Land Legend seeking to rediscover his better staying form. The tactical shape is likely to be critical in such a small field, particularly if Sheza Alibi is allowed to settle comfortably near the speed, while Birdman’s established ability at 1800m and beyond ensures this is far from a ceremonial progression for the favourite. The market has understandably centred on the pair, but with Treasurethe Moment possessing proven 2000m quality, Saturday’s contest shapes as a genuine examination of whether Sheza Alibi can extend her brilliance into middle-distance territory.