Skybird and Attrition put through their paces at Sandown races

Skybird’s road back to racing took another positive step when the Group 1-winning mare completed a race day gallop at Sandown, pleasing trainer Mitch Freedman as she builds towards a spring return.

The daughter of Exosphere has not raced since her victory in the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning at Flemington in February, having suffered a pectoral muscle injury shortly after. Freedman considered bringing her back for the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) in May but opted to prioritise a longer recovery to avoid any setback that could affect her spring targets.

Currently, Freedman has the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley on September 6 as her first-up goal, although the Listed Carlyon Stakes at The Valley two weeks earlier remains under consideration if she is forward enough.

“She’s just about ready for a jump-out, but we decided to give her a racecourse gallop at Sandown to stimulate her,” Freedman said. “The adrenaline rush from being at the track is something you can’t replicate at home.”

“At Ballarat we don’t have the same gallop or jump-out options that Sandown trainers do, so today was a great opportunity. She looked outstanding and her work was exactly what we wanted.”

The mare is expected to trial within the next fortnight depending on track conditions. Freedman said Skybird had thrived during her time away and looked a more powerful version of herself.

“She’s bigger and stronger, and taking her away from home was a great mental test,” he said. “She looked terrific and her action was free and fluent.”

While the Moir Stakes is pencilled in as the likely return, Freedman remains flexible with her program afterwards. “There aren’t many 1000-metre WFA options down the Flemington straight in spring, so we might need to try her at 1200 metres later in the campaign,” he said.

On the same day, Freedman also trialled Group 1 winner Attrition at Caulfield, where he worked behind sharp gallopers including Mornington Glory. Despite being well beaten, Freedman said the hit-out served its purpose.

“Compared to this time last year, his data is better, which is really pleasing,” he said. “He closed off nicely in the final stages, and the jump-out suited where he’s at in his prep.”

Attrition is set to resume in the Group 2 P B Lawrence Stakes at Caulfield on August 16, with the Group 2 Hill Stakes (1900m) at Rosehill in October again a major goal after winning the race last spring.