Following Attrition’s recent success in the Hill Stakes, trainer Mitchell Freedman is preparing for another significant raid on Sydney racing, this time with the high-class sprinter Skybird.
Attrition claimed the Rosehill feature for a second time last weekend, defeating the resilient Lindermann. On Saturday, Skybird, a stablemate, will have her chance to impress in the $2 million Sydney Stakes (1200m) at Randwick.
Although the mare has drawn the outside gate in barrier 18, she is anticipated to encounter a rain-affected track. Conditions were rated a heavy 8 on Wednesday, following 66mm of rain in the preceding 24 hours, with further showers expected.
Skybird was a last-start winner of the Gilgai Stakes (1200m) on a similar surface at Flemington. Earlier this year, she finished a length behind Everest contenders Joliestar and Giga Kick on a wet track in the T J Smith Stakes (1200m).
Both Skybird and Attrition have been excellent ambassadors for Freedman’s training establishment. Attrition has amassed over $4.3 million from 33 starts, and Skybird’s prize money is expected to surpass $2 million if she finishes in the top two at Randwick.
“It’s a good ride to be on at the moment with these two horses, that’s for sure,” Freedman stated. “With a small team in Ballarat and my team around me, we punch well above our weight.”
Freedman will be closely monitoring the track conditions as the week progresses before making a final decision on Skybird’s participation. Her main objective is the upcoming Champions Sprint (1200m) at Flemington next month.
However, he has been extremely pleased with her condition since her Gilgai Stakes victory on October 3. Notably, Ben Melham has been booked to ride the mare in the Sydney Stakes, having partnered her in her last two starts.
“She couldn’t be better. She’s really holding her form and really sound at the moment,” Freedman confirmed. A full field of 16 runners, along with four emergencies, has been nominated for the Sydney Stakes (1200m). In a wide-open market, Overpass and Charm Stone are joint $7 favourites, with Skybird rated as a strong $8.50 chance.
With the Sydney Stakes market looking competitive, exploring online bookmakers for the best available odds is recommended.
