Freedman's Skybird ready for Randwick challenge

Hot on the heels of Attrition's impressive Hill Stakes success, Mitchell Freedman is gearing up for another significant raid on Sydney's racing scene, this time with the talented sprinter Skybird.

Last weekend, Attrition clinched the Rosehill feature for the second time, defeating the formidable Lindermann. On Saturday, Skybird, a stablemate, will have her opportunity to capture the spotlight in the $2 million Sydney Stakes (1200m) at Randwick.

Despite drawing the outside barrier, gate 18, the mare is set to encounter a testing, rain-affected track. Conditions were assessed as a heavy 8 on Wednesday, following 66mm of rainfall in the 24 hours prior, with more showers expected.

Skybird demonstrated her prowess on similar surfaces when she triumphed in the Gilgai Stakes (1200m) at Flemington last time out. Earlier this year, she finished a commendable length behind Everest hopefuls Joliestar and Giga Kick on a sodden track in the T J Smith Stakes (1200m).

Both Skybird and Attrition have been outstanding ambassadors for Freedman's training operation. Attrition has amassed over $4.3 million across 33 starts, and Skybird's earnings are poised to exceed $2 million if she finishes among the top two at Randwick.

"It's a good ride to be on at the moment with these two horses, that's for sure," Freedman stated. "With a small team in Ballarat and my team around me, we punch well above our weight."

Freedman will be closely monitoring the track conditions as the week unfolds before making a definitive decision regarding Skybird's participation. Her primary objective remains the prestigious Champions Sprint (1200m) at Flemington next month.

However, he has expressed great satisfaction with her condition since her Gilgai Stakes win on October 3. Notably, Ben Melham has been booked for the Sydney Stakes ride, having been aboard the mare for her two most recent starts.

"She couldn't be better. She's really holding her form and really sound at the moment," Freedman confirmed. A large field of 16 runners, plus four emergencies, has been entered for the Sydney Stakes (1200m). In a highly competitive market, Overpass and Charm Stone are listed as joint $7 favourites, with Skybird considered a strong contender at $8.50.

With the Sydney Stakes shaping up to be a wide-open affair, exploring the racing betting markets for value could be a rewarding strategy.