Skybird etched her name into history with a stunning victory in the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes at Flemington on Saturday, February 15.
Trained by Mitchell Freedman and ridden by John Allen, the four-year-old mare became the longest-priced winner in the race’s 71-year history, paying $26 with the top online bookmakers.
Breaking from barrier three, Skybird settled at the rear of the field as Mazu and Way To The Stars set a frenetic pace up front.
As the race unfolded, Allen found a perfect gap in the final furlong, and Skybird unleashed an electrifying sprint to surge past her rivals, defeating Stretan Angel by three-quarters of a length, with Benedetta and Switzerland battling it out for third.
Post-race, jubilant John Allen reflected on the remarkable performance.
“Probably not,” Allen admitted when asked if he expected such a win.
“Look, I was expecting her to run well, but she had a lot to do.
“I’ve been up there a couple of times in the last week, and she’d been flying, but I would’ve been telling tales if I thought she had a chance in a race like today.
“But once I peeled off the back of Switzerland, she just took off.
“From the halfway mark, I felt she just couldn’t get beaten.”
Jenna Freedman, wife of trainer Mitchell Freedman, was overcome with emotion after Skybird’s incredible win.
“I let out a hell of a scream!
“When she found that gap, I thought, ‘Oh my God, here we go.’ I’m sorry for anyone standing near me, but I just couldn’t help it.
“It’s such an incredible result for the team and the owners – these moments don’t come around every day.”
Mitchell Freedman was equally thrilled with the performance, revealing that they had been confident in Skybird’s ability despite doubts about her sprinting credentials.
“Her work at Horsham ten days ago was phenomenal, and Tuesday’s gallop was just as good.
“We knew she was flying coming into today. There was plenty of chatter that she wasn’t fast enough for the 1000m, but we always believed she was a sprinter at heart.”
Freedman confirmed that Skybird’s next target would be the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on March 8.
“We mapped out a campaign around Melbourne’s big sprints, and she’s right where we want her.
“We’ll monitor how she pulls up, but the Newmarket looks a logical next step.”
With this victory, Skybird has now amassed over $1.8 million in prize money, boasting a career record of 13 starts for six wins, one second, and two thirds.
The mare’s blistering turn of foot and proven versatility make her a formidable contender in the upcoming Newmarket Handicap, currently an $8 chance with Neds.
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