Songbird: the next star filly by Medaglia d'Oro?

Fox Hill Farms' Songbird had plenty of appeal going into her debut in Sunday's 7TH race at Del Mar -- except for her rail post. But the Jerry Hollendorfer trainee laughed that concern away with a tour de force wire job, propelling herself into the Del Mar Debutante (G1) picture.

Songbird crossed the wire much the best by 6 1/2 lengths, prompting track announcer Trevor Denman to exclaim, "We could be looking at a future star here!"

Hustled to the early lead by Hall of Famer Mike Smith, the 2-1 chance was two lengths clear through an opening quarter in :22.08, and the rest never had a chance thereafter. The daughter of Medaglia d'Oro extended her control of proceedings, posting splits of :45.66 and :57.98 en route to completing six furlongs in 1:11.03. 

Stablemate Tiz a Tommy Town, the 8-5 favorite, chased throughout and held second. Treasuring, the full sister to 2013 Hollywood Starlet (G1) winner Streaming, found trouble before rallying to nip Annie's Curls for third, and is certain to progress from here.

Bred by John Antonelli in Kentucky, Songbird was purchased for $400,000 as a Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling. She is out of top Calder two-year-old and subsequent Grade 2 heroine Ivanavinalot, by West Acre.

Might Songbird be the next top filly by Medaglia d'Oro? She's bred along similar lines to his best performer, 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra, both being out of Forty Niner-line mares. The ever-expanding list of notable Medaglia d'Oro fillies also includes Marketing Mix, Plum Pretty, Coffee Clique, C. S. Silk, Champagne d'Oro, Gabby's Golden Gal -- I'll stop now; you get the idea.