Skybird has secured her place in the $20 million The Everest (1200m) at Randwick, with Inglis selecting the explosive mare to fill its slot.

Trained by Mitch Freedman, the five-year-old was a standout winner of this year’s Black Caviar Lightning and will first chase another Group 1 in Friday night’s Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley.

“To purchase a horse like Skybird, bring her through our system and now be a part of the most elite sprinting race in our country, if not the world, truly is an honour,” Freedman said. “She is an exceptional talent … it really is a dream come true.”

Bought for $110,000 at the Inglis Classic Sale, Skybird has already earned almost $1.3 million in prizemoney. Inglis CEO Sebastian Hutch said her rise highlighted the sale’s value. “It’s the stuff that dreams are made of,” he said.

Skybird joins Ka Ying Rising, Joliestar, Briasa and Angel Capital among the confirmed starters, with just three Everest slots remaining.