At least six to take shot at Songbird

ARCADIA, Calif. – Songbird is expected to face at least six rivals Saturday when she returns in the Grade 2 Summertime Oaks here. The undefeated filly worked seven furlongs in company Saturday morning, rallying from behind workmates, splitting that pair, and drawing away late, according to trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. She was timed in 1:25.80.

The expected rivals for Songbird include the Phil D’Amato-trained Bellamentary and Coppa, along with Kay Kay, Kiss N Scat, Not Now Carolyn, and the maiden She’s a Warrior.

A pair of $75,000 stakes also will be run Saturday – the Desert Stormer for fillies and mares at six furlongs and the Rainbow Stakes for 3-year-olds at 1 1/8 miles on turf.

The leading nominees for the Desert Stormer are Sensitively, who has won her last three starts by more than four lengths each with Beyer Speed Figures of 96 or higher, and Juno, a Group 1 winner from Brazil who has won all five of her starts. She is now trained by Richard Mandella.