Trainer Mitch Freedman mulls options for Skybird, ruled out of Group 1 William Reid Stakes, as Attrition builds towards Australian Cup

Lightning Stakes winner Skybird has recovered from a pectoral injury but not in time to contest the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) on Saturday at The Valley.

Skybird ridden by John Allen wins the Black Caviar Lightning at Flemington Racecourse on February 15, 2025 in Flemington, Australia. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos via Getty Images)

Lightning Stakes winner Skybird has recovered from a pectoral injury but not in time to contest the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) on Saturday at The Valley.

Skybird is $11 in the pre-nominations William Reid market which includes Oakleigh Plate winner Jimmysstar ($3.50), Benedetta ($8) and She’s Bulletproof ($8).

Trainer Mitch Freedman said a trip across the border to Adelaide remained an option for his Group 1-winning mare.

“We haven’t made a decision on the prep yet, whether we press on,” Freedman said.

“William Reid is not going to happen, that’s a bit unfortunate.

“Adelaide is still on the radar… whether we try and get to the Sangster or head off for a break and get ready for the spring.”

What a race ⚡️🤩

Skybird beats the boys to claim the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning for @Freedmanmitch 🏇#BCLightningpic.twitter.com/EH9fQUSRb4

— Victoria Racing Club (@FlemingtonVRC) February 15, 2025

Freedman has Attrition aimed at the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) on March 29 at Flemington.

Attrition, runner-up in the Group 2 Blamey Stakes last start, could trial at Caulfield on Thursday.

Freedman originally planned a solid gallop for Attrition on Tuesday before scheduled Camperdown trials were abandoned due to the track being too firm. Racing Victoria could not offer a replacement venue for Tuesday.

The decision has forced Ballarat-based Freedman and other trainers in the region to seek alternative arrangements.

“We asked them (RV) about it, we got a response they’ve got no replacement, which is frustrating,” Freedman said.

“We programmed that (Camperdown trial) a long way out, to do that and get that piece of work in.

Marble Arch wins the Group 2 @tabcomau Blamey Stakes and gains a run in the All-Star Mile! ⭐️

Congratulations to the Hayes Team and Mick Dee 🙌

🎥 @7horseracing#AusGuineas#RacingSpectacularpic.twitter.com/dfD9QNMt06

— Victoria Racing Club (@FlemingtonVRC) March 1, 2025

“The horse is in great shape, his fitness levels we’re really happy with, we just need that piece of work… a solid piece of work between races to get him ready.

“It’s not just him, it’s all the other horses we’re (trainers) trying to get to the races as well.”

A trial on Thursday at Caulfield, apart from the extra burden of travel to Melbourne in peak hour, would essentially give Attrition, and others set to race next week, 48 hours less to recover from the workout.

Attrition is at $15 for the Australian Cup.

The pre-nominations market includes favourite Pride Of Jenni ($3.50), Middle Earth ($4.50), Light Infantry Man ($6), Tom Kitten ($6), Another Wil ($8), Atishu ($8) and Zardozi ($8).

Pride Of Jenni is BACK! 🤩

She returns in spectacular style to win the Peter Young Stakes! @cmaherracing@craig_newittpic.twitter.com/kX6e51Wdp0

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) March 15, 2025

Comeback queen Pride Of Jenni won the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m) last Saturday.

Freedman considered the Peter Young for Attrition but chose to go straight to the Australian Cup.

“We cannot fault him,” Freedman said.

“We’re really happy with him but just decided off the short break three runs into the Australian Cup is the best way to get there.

“We think we’re making the right call, going straight into the Australian Cup off the Blamey.”

Originally published as Trainer Mitch Freedman mulls options for Skybird, ruled out of Group 1 William Reid Stakes, as Attrition builds towards Australian Cup