Songbird drills five furlongs, next-race plans undetermined

DEL MAR, Calif. – Songbird worked five furlongs in 1:00.80 on Saturday morning at Del Mar, but trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said he and owner Rick Porter had yet to pick out a next race for the two-time champion filly, saying that three scenarios are still in play.

In chronological order, Hollendorfer said Songbird is under consideration for the Pacific Classic at Del Mar on Aug. 19, which would mark her first start against males, or she could go to Saratoga for the Grade 1 Personal Ensign on Aug. 26, or Hollendorfer said Songbird might only have one more race before her main year-end goal, the Breeders’ Cup Distaff here at Del Mar on Nov. 3.

“All options are on the table, including waiting for the Zenyatta,” he said, referring to the Grade 1 Zenyatta in late September during Santa Anita’s fall meeting.

Exercise rider Freddie Rodriguez was aboard for the early-morning drill on Saturday.

“Everything went good, like it was supposed to,” Hollendorfer said. “She galloped out good and strong and smooth. I think she’s doing very well.”

Songbird was the first horse nominated to the Grade 1, $1 million Pacific Classic. Hollendorfer said the presence of Arrogate would have no bearing on whether or not he decides to go in that race.

Saratoga also offers appeal since Songbird won twice there last year en route to the 3-year-old filly championship, but it would involve shipping, and Songbird already has shipped for both her races this year.

Awaiting the Zenyatta would put Songbird on a collision course with Stellar Wind in a battle of the current divisional leaders and would set up the possibility of those two facing each other both there and in the Distaff.

“I don’t have a likely plan,” Hollendorfer said. “I don’t have everything carved out solid.”