Skybird seeks return to winning form in Moir Stakes

A significant amount of time and travel has passed since Skybird last graced the winner's circle.

Her most recent victory was on a rain-affected Flemington track in the Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m), a race won by the Mitch Freedman-trained mare.

Freedman is hopeful for similar conditions when Skybird competes at Sandown on Saturday in the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m). This race has been moved from its traditional home at Moonee Valley due to track redevelopment.

The shift of the Moir Stakes to Sandown introduces different tactical considerations compared to a 1000m race at Moonee Valley, a point not lost on Freedman.

Skybird's previous Moir Stakes appearance last year saw her finish sixth behind Baraqiel, a run where luck was not on her side.

"Being at Sandown and not around The Valley, it changes the dynamics a bit, maybe not the field size and hopefully she can have a bit more luck than last year," Freedman remarked.

The Moir Stakes was followed by the Manikato Stakes for Skybird, also at Moonee Valley. Her subsequent racing schedule involved extensive travel across Adelaide, Brisbane, and Sydney.

Skybird's most recent race was the Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup held at Eagle Farm in May.

"She's come off a Brisbane campaign which is not something the stable has done before, but it's amazing how quickly she has come up," Freedman explained.

"She's had the one trial, worked really well, and went to Caulfield during the week for another trip away from home.

"She'll go first-up into the Moir and hopefully undo some of the wrongs from last year.

"Hopefully there is a bit of rain about in the lead-up and we can see her perform up to her best, because at her best, she's right up there with the top sprinters in the land.

"She's been beaten just over three-quarters-of-a-length by two superstars in Joliestar and Giga Kick, so she's certainly around the mark on her day."

Freedman indicated that he would be open to sending Skybird on further travels this campaign.

"We'll keep an eye on what races are coming up and when," Freedman said.

"We know Victoria and New South Wales like to run big races at the same time, so if we have to swing one way, we know travel doesn't affect her.

"She relishes the travel, so we'll monitor if there's a race that looks a little bit softer or there's some (bad) weather coming that might allow us to get those soft track conditions, then we might take those opportunities.

"She's pretty versatile and ticks a lot of boxes as to the courses she can race on and we've got her narrowed down now to 1000 to 1200 (metres), that's about her and any sting out of the ground, she gets through it better than most."

For those interested in the Moir Stakes, exploring online bookmakers for the latest racing betting markets is recommended.