Skybird, last seen taking out the Group 1 Lightning Stakes at Flemington, will return from injury in Saturday’s Group 1 Moir Stakes at The Valley.
Trainer Mitchell Freedman has taken a patient approach after the mare sustained a pectoral muscle setback in February, but recent trials and jump-outs have convinced him she is ready. “It’s the first time that we made her do a bit of work and she was really solid in that work, and she’s really tightened up since then,” he said.
Freedman will keep the five-year-old to sprints this spring, ruling out another step to longer races despite her past 1600m win. “She can run a bit further in a softly run race, but when you get up in grade, you don’t see too many of those,” he said.
While the Manikato Stakes and possibly The Everest could feature later, Freedman stressed the focus is on Saturday’s return. “The most important thing is we want her to go out there and race really well, pull up well and then we’ll make plans for the rest of the spring.”
Skybird has drawn barrier five in a surprisingly large Moir Stakes field. “Usually, you come to the Moir and see a field of eight or 10… but I guess with the anticipation mounting for an Everest slot, a lot of horses are wanting to take their chance,” Freedman noted.