Songbird deemed healthy for 2017 campaign

DEL MAR, Calif. – Songbird, beaten a nose in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff at Santa Anita on Nov. 4 in the first loss of her career, recently passed an extensive physical examination in Kentucky and is being pointed for a 2017 campaign as a 4-year-old.

Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said on Saturday that Songbird will remain at a farm in Kentucky through December before rejoining his stable at Santa Anita.

“We scanned her from head to toe and didn’t find anything significant,” he said. “We found nothing.

“She’ll come back and get ready for next year. She’ll be there right around Jan. 1.”

Owned by Rick Porter, Songbird has won 11 of 12 starts and earned $3,712,000. She was the champion 2-year-old filly of 2015 and is expected to receive the title of champion 3-year-old filly of 2016.

Songbird won her first seven starts of 2016, all against 3-year-old fillies in California, New York, and Pennsylvania, and was beaten a nose by Beholder in a thrilling running of the BC Distaff.

Hollendorfer said he has not finalized race plans for Songbird for early 2017 but has the BC Distaff at Del Mar on Nov. 3 as a long-term goal.

“I’m looking forward to the Breeders’ Cup here,” Hollendorfer said, speaking in the track’s racing office.

“Our long-term plan is the Breeders’ Cup Distaff. We’ll see how she comes in and plan some spots.”