Songbird back in California; Cotillion at Parx next

DEL MAR, Calif. – The unbeaten, champion filly Songbird arrived back at trainer Jerry Hollendorfer’s Del Mar barn Monday and will remain in California to train until her next scheduled start, the Grade 1, $1 million Cotillion on Sept. 24 at Parx Racing.

The Cotillion will be her final scheduled start before she takes on elders – likely including fellow champions Beholder and Stellar Wind – for the first time in what’s shaping up as a star-studded Breeders’ Cup Distaff on Nov. 4 at Santa Anita.

Songbird was at Del Mar briefly earlier this summer before spending the past month in Saratoga, where she scored impressive victories in the Coaching Club American Oaks and, last Saturday, the Alabama.

◗ Trainer Mike Mudaris was fined $1,500 after a horse of his who ran at Santa Anita in May tested for more than one approved non-steroidal anti-inflammatory as well as improper use of another authorized medication.

◗ Trainer Ted H. West, who retired nearly two months ago, was fined $200 after his final starter, at Santa Anita in June, came back with an excessive amount of a legal medication.