Skybird scores emphatic G1 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes win

The Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning was expected to be a showcase for three-year-old colts, but it was the fillies who stole the show in the 1000m sprint at Flemington.

Chris Waller’s Switzerland was the clear $2.45 favourite with betting apps, while Growing Empire was also well-supported at $3.80.

Despite their strong performances, it was the fillies who stormed home late to claim the top placings.

Skybird ($26), ridden by John Allen, charged to a one-length victory over Stretan Angel ($21), while Benedetta ($8.50) finished a further 1-¾ lengths back in third, narrowly edging out Switzerland.

With the scratchings of Mornington Glory and I Am Me, the race pace was slightly altered, but Skybird made the most of the downgraded Soft 7 conditions after race-day rain.

Trainer Mitchell Freedman celebrated his second career Group 1 win, having prepared Attrition for a victory in the 2023 Toorak Handicap.

Freedman had considered whether to start Skybird in this event or save her for the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield the following Saturday.

After initially testing her over longer distances, Freedman confirmed that Skybird would now focus on shorter sprint races, with the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on March 8 likely to be her next major goal.

“There were plenty of signs that she was best suited to sprinting,” Freedman said.

“Her genetic tests, along with how she trains at home, all pointed to this.

“We’ve always known she has natural speed. Now that she’s matured and understands her racing, it was time to get her back to the sprinting distances.

“There are three major sprints in Melbourne—either this, the Oakleigh Plate into the Newmarket, and then the William Reid Stakes.

“We’ll follow that path for now, and Adelaide could also be in the mix.

“We’ll see how she pulls up before finalizing plans.”

Skybird’s victory marked the first Group 1 success for her sire, Exosphere, who finished fourth in the Lightning Stakes behind Chautauqua in 2016.

For John Allen, the win ended a long wait for another Group 1 success. His last victory at the highest level came aboard Ruthless Dame in the 2023 Sangster Stakes at Morphettville.

“I couldn’t believe how much horse I had under me,” Allen said.

“I was sitting behind Switzerland, planning to follow him through, but I was traveling so well that I decided to shift out and make my own run.

“She took off instantly and put the race away in a flash. From the halfway mark, she felt like a winner.”

“It’s been a little while since my last Group 1, so getting one at Flemington is a great feeling.”