Mitchell Freedman and Beau Mertens have combined with the ultra-impressive Skybird (+600) to take out the Group 2 Tobin Bronze Stakes, with the one time Thousand Guineas favourite proving way too good for her rivals over 1200m at Morphettville.
After returning with an encouraging run at Bendigo first-up, Freedman sent his filly to Adelaide to claim another valuable Group level victory and with that in the rear-view mirror now, The Goodwood in two weeks time could be on the cards for Skybird.
With several speed influences in the race, it was no surprise to see the race run at a good clip and set up for the runners with a good turn of foot finish off strong down the outside.
Mertens followed the Pivot City (+600) around the home turn before peeling off his back at the top of the straight to let down with her customary blistering finish.
As soon as Skybird took over with 250m to go, there was no way any of her rivals were going to catch her and she recorded an impressive 1.9-length victory over Moesha (+450) and Pivot City, who filled the placings.
2024 Tobin Bronze Stakes Replay – Skybird
Mitchell Freedman was elated with the win and he spoke post-race.
“We had a specific plan to come to this race or the Sangster, but we thought the Sangster was heating up with the prize money on offer,” Freedman said of the plan.
“We’re still building our fitness in the three-year-old race and if she comes though it well enough, we might come back in two weeks time (to race in The Goodwood).
“There is a chance on the way she won there.
“I know she has a bit of improvement to come, so she could come and compete in that race and get the weight advantage, being a filly.
“I think you’ll find 1400 metres will be her best distance, or 1300 maybe, that 1200 to 1400 will be right for her. I’m not sure she runs a mile.
“She’s only tasted defeat two times and the other day at Bendigo, things were against her and in the Thousand Guineas. She’s a very good filly with plenty of upside.
“We’ve got an ultimate goal of trying to get to the Golden Eagle, so that’s on our radar and we’ll see how we get there.”
Beau Mertens has built a strong affiliation with Skybird and he spoke glowingly about the filly after the win.
“She’s outstanding. Mitch has done a terrific job to get her to perform like she has today,” Mertens said.
“She missed a trial leading up to her first-up and we both thought it was a good enough run to come here and give it a shot.
“She gave me the feel last prep of a really nice filly.
“She’s a filly that doesn’t get too clean away out of the machine but as time goes on she’s learning to get out and get herself amongst it which is going to make her life a lot easier.
“I was able to have a really nice spot with a bit of cover three deep following Blake (Shinn) and it took me right into the race.
“When I gave her squeeze at the top of the straight, I knew she would be there for me.”
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