Without Autumn Glow to rain on her parade, Sheza Alibi is poised to renew her Group 1-winning ways when she contests the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday.

Victorious in the Randwick Guineas and Doncaster Mile at the end of last campaign, Sheza Alibi resumed in the Winx Stakes three weeks ago when finishing a closing second behind Autumn Glow.

That’s made her a hot $1.65 fancy for this weekend’s assignment, though co-trainer Katherine Coleman says the lineup are no easybeats.

“It’s come up a really strong race,” Coleman told Racenet.

“We’ve got so much respect for horses like ‘Mr B’ and Sir Delius, it’s exciting to have a horse of the same calibre as them and racing in this sort of a race.

“She’s still got to step up… and coming up against these seasoned old warhorses, like those two geldings to face, it’s exciting but it’s another challenge for her.”

Sir Delius is a $4 second favourite, while Mr Brightside – a three-time victor of this race – is $9.

The latter will be ridden by Blake Shinn, replacing Craig Williams who opted to ride Sir Delius in preference.

“It’s an honour to be riding such a people’s favourite horse that’s been around for a long time. Just thrilled to get the opportunity,” Shinn said.

“He’s beaten me more than I’ve beaten him, but he makes his own luck and puts himself in the right spots and gives his all, wet or dry, he turns up every time.

“Sheza Alibi and Sir Delius are great horses but he’s stood the test of time.”

The booking came with Williams’ blessing.

“He’s in good hands,” Williams said.

“Understandable or not, it’s unfortunate you can only ride one horse in a race.

“When I spoke to (co-trainer) Ben Hayes, I said I’ve got to make this call with a heavy heart. He’s been a phenomenal horse to me.”

“I’ve been part of his whole career since his third race start.

“The only time I haven’t ridden him was when I had a broken collarbone and I tried to ride him even then, but they wouldn’t let me out of the hospital.”

Away from the lead hopes, last year’s Melbourne Cup conqueror Half Yours ($31) will attempt to re-road his preparations for this year’s November event.

“Isn’t it a great race?” co-trainer Calvin McEvoy said.

“It’s very exciting to have a runner in it. Obviously, it’s very well short of his trip… we want to see him have a good run and finish off strongly and pass a few.

“He can put in a sharp run, this horse, and it’s a great race, I can’t wait to get there.

“We want to see decent pace in the race. He’ll get into a good rhythm and hopefully be storming home the last 400m-500m.

“We’re not thinking he can win a race over a mile against these horses, by any means, but if he could be up there somewhere, we’ll be very happy.”