A race day gallop at Sandown has given star mare Skybird a timely boost as she nears her return from injury.

The Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning winner has been sidelined since February with a pectoral muscle issue but is on track for a spring campaign.

Trainer Mitch Freedman said Skybird was nearly ready for a jump-out but opted for a racecourse gallop to reignite her competitive spark.

“She needed something like that today and looking at her out the back, she looks magnificent,” Freedman said.

He has the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley on September 6 in mind, with the Listed Carlyon Stakes two weeks earlier also in the frame.

Further plans remain flexible, though Freedman expects Skybird may stretch to 1200m later in spring.

Meanwhile, stablemate Attrition returned in a jump-out at Caulfield and impressed despite trailing behind sprinter Mornington Glory.

He’ll likely resume in the Group 2 P B Lawrence Stakes on August 16, before targeting the Group 2 Hill Stakes (1900m) at Rosehill — a race he won last year.