Songbird breezes seven furlongs

Edited Press Release

Despite Jerry Hollendorfer calling an audible and working Songbird a day earlier than originally planned, it was just another day at the office for the undefeated champion two-year-old female of 2015 as she breezed seven furlongs over Santa Anita Park’s fast main track in 1:25.80 with exercise rider Edgar Rodriguez aboard.

After the move, Hollendorfer pronounced the daughter of Medaglia d’Oro “ready” for next Saturday’s $200,000 Summertime Oaks (G2) at 1 1/16 miles.

“She went the last eighth in spectacular fashion, 12 seconds flat,” Hollendorfer said. “She’s ready. I changed my mind (on the work day). I decided at the last minute.”

Songbird worked in company with stablemates Little Curlin and The Gomper, who were given five furlong clockings of 1:02.60 and 1:02.80, respectively.

Songbird’s fractional times were :25.40, :37.40, :49 and 1:13, with a one-mile gallop out recording of 1:39.

Songbird’s owner, Rick Porter, who races as Fox Hill Farms, added on Facebook:

“Jerry called me first thing this morning after planning a very early work for Songbird. Everyone was expecting her to work tomorrow so Jerry wanted to go this morning when he sent two of his nice horses out right in front of Songbird.

“It was about five lengths when they all broke. She went behind them at her own pace and then, as planned, started running at the quarter pole and split them as nice as could please and went the last eighth in a gallop out in 12 flat. The clocker told Jerry he got her in 1:24 flat even though they published 1:25 4/5ths.

“It is nice to confirm she can rate. Great work and looking forward to the race next Saturday.”

Among those expected to face Songbird in the Oaks are Bellamentary, Coppa, Kay Kay, Kiss N Scat, Not Now Carolyn and That’s A Lady.

Both Coppa and Not Now Carolyn worked on Saturday at Santa Anita Park. Stakes debuter Coppa, who is two-for-two thus far in her career, worked six furlongs for trainer Phil D’Amato in 1:14.60 while Now Now Carolyn clocked five-eighths in 1:00.40 for trainer Keith Desormeaux on Saturday as well.

Songbird working a bullet 6f in 1:13 on June 4 (Cecilia Gustavsson/Horsephotos.com)