Skybird flies to win the Black Caviar Lightning

The four-year-old mare came from the back of the field with a blistering finish under jockey John Allen, giving Ballarat-based trainer Mitch Freedman the second Group 1 win of his career.

In front of 9512 racegoers, Skybird defeated Stretan Angel and Benedetta as the only three mares in the race finished first, second and third.

It was a fitting first three given the race was named after Australia’s undefeated sprinting mare Black Caviar, who won the Lightning in 2011, 2012 and 2013.

Other racing highlights included the win of Warrnambool-trained mare Wrote to Arataki in the Group 3 Frances Tressady Stakes (1400m), the win of Sepals in the Group 3 CS Hayes Stakes (1400m) and the win to Rise at Dawn in the Listed Elms Handicap (1400m).

The Elms Handicap provided direct entry into $2.5 million Group 1 The All Star Mile (1600m) for Rise at Dawn, giving trainers Ben, Will and JD Hayes multiple chances with the expectation that their champion Mr Brightside will also line up.

The All-Star Mile owner ambassador competition launched with five lucky attendees winning their place as an owner ambassador of an All-Star Mile contender. The five attendees selected at random included Rhonda Sexton, Ralph James, Charles Payne, Roger Auber, Danny Chow.

Victoria Racing Club Chief Executive Kylie Rogers said today’s meeting sets the scene for the upcoming Flemington Racing Spectacular.

“The Black Caviar Lightning produced a heart-warming finish for Mitch Freedman with his kids Meg and George here to celebrate the second Group 1 win of Mitch’s career,” Ms Rogers said.

“The day also reminded us of the indelible legacy Black Caviar has left, with salmon and black a theme across the day and people enjoying all the Black Caviar touchpoints across course.

“Today launches Group 1 action at Flemington for the year with a huge Flemington Racing Spectacular up next, starting with Howden Australian Guineas Day where five more lucky attendees can win their way into the All-Star Mile owner ambassador competition.”

Howden Australian Guineas Day on Saturday 1 March is the next race day at Flemington, followed by Super Saturday on Saturday 8 March and TAB Australian Cup Day on Saturday 29 March with all three featuring a special activation titled Feast by Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.