Songbird Soars Among Breeders’ Cup Saturday Stars

Songbird powered to a dominant win in the 14 Hands Winery Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies on Saturday at Keeneland Race Course. (All photos by Eclipse Sportswire)
by Claire Novak, @BH_CNovak
Fox Hill Farms’ Songbird delivered a beautiful performance Oct. 31 in the $2-million 14 Hands Winery Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies at Keeneland, controlling the pace throughout and drawing off to win by 5 3/4 lengths over fellow Grade 1 winner Rachel’s Valentina.
Sent off as the overwhelming favorite, Songbird nailed down the 2-year-old filly championship with her third straight Grade 1 victory. The Medaglia d’Oro filly galloped clear to the lead in a few bounds leaving the outside post in a field of 10, and was never challenged.
“Once we jumped out the gate, it was just a matter of me staying on,” Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith said. “She’s so talented and she gives you so much confidence. I almost felt like yawning as we went along. I don’t mean that in a bragging way. She just gives me that much confidence. I’m really blessed to be a part of this great team.”
The Breeders' Cup win was a record 22nd for Smith, who added to his advantage as the event’s all-time winningest rider after Songbird led from start to finish.
“From the 10 hole, we knew we had to get a good break, but Mike said this was the longest jump she’s ever had to make to get into position on the first turn, that was the key,” owner Rick Porter said. “I knew we had the best horse going in, but the problem is, I’ve had the best horse in races before ... the best horse doesn’t always win.”
Songbird preserved her perfect record with yet another front-running score for Hall of Fame trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. She is now 4-for-4 after previously taking the Chandelier Stakes and Del Mar Debutante.
Songbird finished the 1 1/16-mile race in 1:42.73 on a fast track, with Rachel’s Valentina, Dothraki Queen and Nickname rounding out the top four.
JUVENILE FILLIES REPLAY

MONGOLIAN SATURDAY HOLDS ON GAMELY TO WIN TURF SPRINT

by Lenny Shulman
In a thrilling edition of the $1-million Breeders’ Cup Dirt Sprint, Mongolian Saturday prevailed by holding off Lady Shipman by a neck. Mongolian Saturday had finished second in the Woodford Stakes in the mud at Keeneland Oct. 3.
Lady Shipman broke alertly in the 5 1/2-furlong event, but Ready For Rye quickly wrested the lead from the filly while rider Florent Geroux placed Mongolian Saturday just outside the leader. Lady Shipman and Joe Franklin stayed close to the front through a half-mile in :45.09.
Turning for home, Mongolian Stable's Mongolian Saturday separated from the other 13 runners and opened up a 3-length advantage. But Lady Shipman was determined, and made a sustained run at the leader down the lane, shortening the margin between them with every stride.
The finish line came just in time for Mongolian Saturday, who completed the distance in 1:03.49. Lady Shipman was a half-length ahead of third-place finisher Green Mask. Defending Turf Sprint winner Bobby's Kitten rallied for fourth.
Mongolian Saturday paid $33.80 to win, $13.60 to place, and $7.80 to show.
Mongolian Saturday was bred in Kentucky by Normandy Farm and is trained by Enebish Ganbat. The 5-year-old gelding has won seven of 31 lifetime starts and has hit the board in all 10 of his starts this season. 
TURF SPRINT REPLAY