Sheza Alibi reaffirmed her standing as one of the nation’s premier milers with a commanding performance in the 2026 Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes, producing a polished and professional display of class and control to claim her third elite‑level victory over the mile.

2026 Makybe Diva Stakes winner Sheza Alibi saluted by a big margin as the odds-on favourite. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.

The Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman‑trained mare was simply superior at Flemington, travelling comfortably throughout under Luke Nolen before accelerating clear at the 300m to put the race beyond doubt.

Sheza Alibi stopped the clock in 1:35.34 and scored by 2.75 lengths over Autumn Boy, with triple-figure outsider Another Wil running a bold third.

The win continues her remarkable rise through the ranks, adding to her Randwick Guineas and Doncaster Mile triumphs earlier in the year and lifting her earnings beyond $4.3 million from just 12 starts.

Co-trainer Coleman said the four‑year‑old had returned this preparation as a more complete physical specimen, noting her improved strength and maturity.

“She’s probably come back more of a finished product this time around… she has developed, is bigger and stronger and hopefully we continue to see that,” she told Racing Victoria.

Coleman praised the mare’s professionalism and tactical speed, adding, “She began better today. She put herself there, travelled sweetly. It was a beautiful ride from Luke.”

She also highlighted the significance of the victory, saying, “She looked like she did that quite easily today… she is very, very special and it means so much to our stable.”

Sheza Alibi began cleanly, settled in an ideal position, and travelled sweetly throughout before producing her trademark turn of foot to dominate the race.

Nolen, who has partnered many Moody-trained stars, described her as a mare whose ceiling remains unknown and praised her professionalism and race sense.

“We don’t know her ceiling yet… she’s all racehorse,” he said.

Nolen admitted he was “giggling on the turn” as he stalked the key dangers, adding, “I ended up being the hunter and it suits this filly just fine.”

Reflecting on his long association with Moody, Nolen said, “We’ve stuck pretty fat, like s** to a blanket… I really suit his system and that’s why I’ve been laced to it since my early 20s.”

The Makybe Diva Stakes also provided key insight into several spring contenders. Autumn Boy lost no admirers with a strong second, while current all-in Cox Plate favourite Sir Delius was unsuited by the sit‑sprint nature of the race but found the line well late, suggesting he will improve sharply over further.

Sheza Alibi’s spring path remains open, though the stable indicated the Group 1 $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) at Randwick on October 31 is the likely target.

Coleman confirmed the 2026 Golden Eagle was the likely target, but noted, “I would say we’re still geared towards the Golden Eagle, but never make decisions on race day.”

Sheza Alibi also holds nominations for the $6 million Ladbrokes Cox Plate (2040m) at Flemington on October 24 and the $1.5 million Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) on October 3, where, as a multiple elite level champion she’d be forced to carry a heavy weight impost, giving connections multiple Group 1 options as the carnival unfolds.

With her blend of tactical speed, composure and explosive acceleration, Sheza Alibi continues to build one of the most compelling résumés in Australian racing — and her Makybe Diva Stakes victory suggests the best may still be ahead.

2026 Makybe Diva Stakes Results & Finishing Order