The 2025 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes at Flemington delivered a stunning upset, with the 25/1 outsider Skybird producing a breathtaking performance to claim the coveted Group 1 sprint.

Surprise 2025 Black Caviar Lightning winner Skybird won the race first-up at 25/1. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.

In a race where the fancied runners struggled to find their best, Skybird exploded from the back of the field, unleashing a powerful finish to sweep past her rivals and score a decisive victory. Jockey John Allen expertly navigated the Exosphere mare through the field, finding the necessary space to unleash a devastating burst of speed in the final stages.

“Once she got into the clear, god she quickened up and put them to bed like they were standing still to be honest,” Allen exclaimed after the race speaking to Racing.com.

Skybird ($26) went on to defeat the Phillip Stokes trained Stretan Angel ($21) by a length with Benedetta ($8.50) completing an all-mares’ Black Caviar Lightning trifecta in third.

The beaten favourite, Chris Waller‘s returning Coolmore Stud Stakes winner Switzerland ($2.45F), was the next best running fourth.

The victory sent shockwaves through the Flemington crowd, as Skybird defied all expectations to claim the Group 1 crown. The win was a testament to the training prowess of Mitch Freedman, who showed incredible faith in his mare by targeting the Black Caviar Lightning.

“We just built towards it,” Freedman said.

“Her work at Horsham 10 days ago or whatever it was now and her work on Tuesday was phenomenal.

“We were so thrilled with her coming into the race.

“I knew we were up against the challenge, and everyone wanted to tell us we weren’t fast enough for the 1000 (metres) but we know that she’s a sprinter.

“We had to try her out over the longer distances as a three-year-old to race in those bigger races, and as a four-year-old as well, but what a phenomenal win.

“She was coiled up behind them there and I was just wanting a gap to come and when it did, she burst through and galloped away from them.”

Skybird’s victory has catapulted her to the forefront of the spring carnival. With her earnings now surpassing $1.2 million, the options are plentiful for the talented mare.

“Why not (target the Newmarket next)?” Freedman pondered.

“It maps well. We thought, there’s three sprints in Melbourne she could run in, either this or the Oakleigh Plate into the Newmarket and then into the William Reid.

“We’ll go down that path at this stage and then we’ve got Adelaide to back up on. But we’ll make sure she pulls up well, well done to the team, well ridden by Johnny and thanks to the owners for their support.”

Skybird’s impressive victory has not only secured her place in racing history as the longest-priced winner of the Black Caviar Lightning but has also set the stage for an exciting autumn campaign.

Current pre-field 2025 Newmarket Handicap odds at Ladbrokes on the $1.5 million feature at Flemington over 1200m on March 8 have Skybird into $8 and are available by clicking here.

2025 Black Caviar Lightning Results

Table Credit: Racing Australia.

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