Songbird Out of Kentucky Oaks

Songbird will not participate in the May 6 Longines Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) because of a low-grade fever, trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said April 17.

Fox Hill Farm's undefeated champion 2-year-old filly of 2015 was the overwhelming favorite heading into the Oaks, but has been unable to train recently because of the fever.

"She showed up with a temperature one morning and we got on it right away," Hollendorfer said. "It never got to be a high temperature and we think she's going to be fine, but we don't want her to train right now, so that's why we'll miss the Oaks."

The Hall of Famer did not say when he thought the daughter of Medaglia d'Oro could be ready to resume training, and emphasized his team would make sure the filly was in the best of health before proceeding.

"You know what matters the most? Taking care of Songbird," Hollendorfer said. "Forget about trying to win another Oaks. Those races are very difficult to win and everything has to go perfect for you to get there. Things didn't go perfect and we're not going to get there, but we think we have a great future with Songbird."

Fox Hill owner Rick Porter said the filly should get between seven to 10 days off to go through a cycle of antibiotics. Although Porter admitted missing the Oaks is deflating, he said the long-term health of his standout filly is paramount.

"I err on the side of conservatism. She’s a great horse and I would have loved to run in the Kentucky Oaks, but her long-term health is more important than anything," Porter said. "The outlook is excellent, but we’ve got to give her some time. Certainly it was a little deflating, but the more I talked about it, I got over it, because we’ve got to do what’s right."

With a perfect record in seven starts, Songbird has yet to be truly challenged late in a race. Her run in geared-down graded scores—in the Del Mar Debutante (gr. I), Chandelier (gr. I), Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (gr. I), Las Virgenes (gr. II), Santa Ysabel (gr. III), and Santa Anita Oaks (gr. I)—is unrivaled amongst her peers.

"I know we’re doing the right thing," Porter said. "Stuff happens in this game and all I want to do is make sure she’s 100% and we have the same Songbird when she gets back."