Champion Songbird Settles In at Saratoga

Fox Hill Farm's undefeated champion Songbird arrived at Saratoga Race Course just before 8 p.m. EDT July 20 in advance of her upcoming engagement in the $500,000 Coaching Club American Oaks (gr. I) July 24.

The reigning 2-year-old filly champion, Songbird arrived at Albany International Airport at 6:19 p.m. following a flight from California that stopped in Denver, Colo., and Lexington, Ky. After the filly stepped off a van, she posed briefly for photographers before being settled in to her stall at Saratoga, which kicks off its race meet July 22.

Christina Jelm, who is assisting California-based trainer Jerry Hollendorfer at Saratoga, said plans for Songbird would be determined Thursday morning, and that the filly would school in the paddock between races opening day.

"She has had a long day; we'd like to get her settled in before Jerry decides on what to do," Jelm said. "She looks great."

Hollendorfer is slated to arrive July 21.

Songbird broke her maiden with ease last July at Del Mar and went on to post three more dominating victories last year, all against grade I company capped off with a 5 3/4-length score in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. She earned the Eclipse Award for champion 2-year-old filly of 2015.

As a 3-year-old, Songbird is again four-for-four with victories at Santa Anita Park, including theSanta Anita Oaks (gr. I) in April and, most recently, a 6 1/2-length romp in the Summertime Oaks (gr. II).

Also confirmed for the CCA Oaks, at 1 1/8 miles, are grade I winners Carina Mia and Weep No More. New York Racing Association officials said the connections of Mo d'Amour, Paola Queen, and Go for Broke also are eyeing Sunday's race.