Songbird Drills Five Furlongs in 1:00 3/5
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Photo: Coglianese Photos/Adam Mooshian
Songbird
Undefeated 3-year-old filly phenom Songbird returned to the worktab for the first time Aug. 4 since her thrilling victory in the July 24 Coaching Club American Oaks (gr. I), breezing five furlongs in 1:00 3/5 at Saratoga Race Course.
Sent out by trainer Jerry Hollendorfer under rider Edgar Rodriguez, Songbird worked at 5:30 a.m. and galloped out six furlongs in 1:13, seven furlongs in 1:26 4/5, and a mile in 1:40.
“Jerry said it was a perfect work,” said Rick Porter, who owns the Medaglia d'Oro filly in the name of his Fox Hill Farms. “Edgar never moved his hands.”
Porter confirmed that the Aug. 20 Alabama Stakes (gr. I) at 1 1/4 miles at the Spa is next for Songbird, last year’s 2-year-old filly champion and a five-time grade I winner. The 10-furlong Alabama will represent the longest race of Songbird’s career. She has won nine races and $2,402,000 to date.
Out of the West Acre mare Ivanavinalot, Songbird was challenged for the first time in her career in the Coaching Club American Oaks when Carina Mia got on even terms with her coming into the stretch, but Songbird found another gear and kicked away to a 5 ¼-length victory.