Songbird breezes 48.20-second half-mile in first work since Phipps
ARCADIA, Calif. – Songbird, the two-time champion who won the Grade 1 Ogden Phipps Stakes on June 10 at Belmont Park in her 2017 debut, worked a half-mile in 48.20 seconds Thursday at Santa Anita.
Songbird is a candidate for the Grade 1 Clement Hirsch Stakes on July 30 at Del Mar, trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said.
Thursday’s workout was the first for Songbird since her comeback win. Songbird’s effort in the workout was described as breezing, a reflection she was not urged. Typically, official clockers in California describe workouts as handily, reflecting some urging by the rider.
Hollendorfer said Songbird recovered quickly from her win in the $750,000 Ogden Phipps at 1 1/16 miles.
“We gave her plenty of time,” Hollendorfer said. “She’s doing very good.”
Owned by Rick Porter, Songbird has won 12 of 13 starts and earned $4,112,000. A 4-year-old, Songbird was the champion 2-year-old filly of 2015 and champion 3-year-old filly of 2016. Her only loss was a nose defeat to four-time champion Beholder in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff last November at Santa Anita.
Also on Thursday, St Patrick’s Day, a 2-year-old full brother to 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, worked three furlongs in 35.40 seconds, his first recorded workout.
St Patrick’s Day is trained by Bob Baffert who trained American Pharoah.