The Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning was expected to be a showdown between the three-year-old colts, but it turned into a surprise all-girls finish.

Switzerland, trained by Chris Waller, was the heavily backed favourite at $2.45 with betting apps, followed by Growing Empire at $3.80. The colts raced head-to-head, but it was the fillies who delivered a stunning finish.

Skybird ($26), ridden by John Allen, triumphed with a length victory over Stretan Angel ($21), with Benedetta ($8.50) finishing third, just ahead of Switzerland.

Despite a soft track downgraded to a Soft 7 due to early race day rain, Skybird thrived in the conditions. The victory marked trainer Mitchell Freedman’s second Group 1 win, following Attrition’s success in the 2023 Toorak Handicap.

Freedman had considered entering Skybird in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield the following week but opted for the Lightning. He now plans to focus on shorter distances, with the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington on March 8 as her next likely target.

“She’s a sprinter,” Freedman said. “We always thought she was and now we’re focusing on those shorter trips.”

Skybird’s victory was a first Group 1 win for her sire, Exosphere, who finished fourth in the Lightning in 2016. Allen, who ended a dry spell of Group 1 wins, praised Skybird’s impressive performance.

“I couldn’t believe how well I was going,” said Allen. “She quickened up and put the race to bed very quickly. From about halfway, she just felt like she couldn’t get beat.”