The Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning was anticipated to be a showdown between the three-year-old colts, but the 1000m sprint at Flemington turned into an all-female affair.
Chris Waller’s Switzerland entered the race as the heavily backed $2.45 favourite with betting apps, while Growing Empire was the second pick at $3.80.
Although the colts went stride for stride, the fillies stole the spotlight in the final moments.
In a surprising turn of events, Skybird ($26), ridden by John Allen, stormed home to secure a one-length victory over Stretan Angel ($21). Benedetta ($8.50) finished 1-¾ lengths behind in third place, narrowly edging out Switzerland.
The scratchings of Mornington Glory and I Am Me altered the race dynamics, but Skybird thrived on the downgraded Soft 7 track conditions following race-day rainfall.
Trainer Mitchell Freedman celebrated his second Group 1 triumph, having previously won the 2023 Toorak Handicap with Attrition.
Freedman deliberated between entering Skybird in the weight-for-age contest or waiting for the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield the following Saturday.
After testing Skybird over longer distances as a three-year-old, Freedman confirmed she would now focus on shorter sprints, with the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on March 8 as her likely next challenge.
“There are many indicators suggesting she’s a sprinter,” Freedman said.
“Not just her gene tests, but also the way she trains at home.
“We knew she was in top form. We’ve always believed she was best suited to sprinting, and now that she’s matured and understands her job, it was time to get her back to these distances.
“There are three key sprints in Melbourne, either this or the Oakleigh Plate leading into the Newmarket, and then onto the William Reid Stakes.
“We’ll take that route for now, and Adelaide is also an option.
“We’ll see how she pulls up before making final decisions.”
Skybird’s victory marked the first Group 1 win for her sire, Exosphere, who finished fourth behind Chautauqua in the Lightning Stakes in 2016.
For Allen, the win ended a dry spell of Group 1 victories. His last success at the highest level was aboard Ruthless Dame in the 2023 Sangster Stakes at Morphettville.
“I couldn’t believe how well she was traveling,” Allen said.
“I was tracking Switzerland, planning to follow him through, but I was going so smoothly that I had to shift off and find my own run.
“She accelerated and sealed the race instantly. From the halfway point, she felt unbeatable.”
“It’s been a while since my last Group 1, so it’s great to win one here at Flemington.”