Skybird set for shot at The G1 Goodwood

Mitch Freedman understands the $1 million The Goodwood, which will be run at Morphettville this Saturday, is a significant rise in grade for Skybird, but he sees no reason to not give her a shot at Group 1 glory.

The three-year-old filly has come through her brilliant win in last Saturday’s Group 2 Tobin Bronze Stakes in fine shape and the Ballarat trainer recognises she might not have too many more chances in a Group 1 with just 53kg.

“She come through the other day super,” Freedman said.

“She’ll have a little gallop Tuesday, but we won’t do too much with her because she’s had all that travel and she’ll have to travel back for the race.

“She’s going to be up against it in that class, it’s going to be a significant rise for her with the opposition she’s facing, but she’s going to get 53 kilos, so that’s a bit of a carrot.”

The Tobin Bronze Stakes was just her second start this campaign, following a sixth placing at Bendigo over 1100m with 61kg, and Freedman is confident the daughter of Exosphere remains on the up.

“I think there’s still a little bit more to come, but at the same time we don’t want to be doing too much with her at home now,” he said.

“I think that run the other day will just top her off nicely and she’ll be ready to fire next Saturday.”

Skybird is aiming to emulate Royal Merchant, who last year joined Dapper’s Hope as the only three-year-olds to complete the Tobin Bronze Stakes-The Goodwood double in the same season.