Songbird points to Delaware Handicap as next start

ARCADIA, Calif. - Songbird will make her next start in the Grade 2 Delaware Handicap at Delaware Park on July 15, trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said on Sunday.

A two-time champion, Songbird won her only start this year, the Grade 1 Ogden Phipps Stakes at Belmont Park, on June 10. The $750,000 Delaware Handicap is run at 1 1/4 miles on dirt.

Hollendorfer said the Delaware Handicap was chosen because of its proximity to the home of owner Rick Porter, who lives in Wilmington, Del. Porter has been undergoing cancer treatment in the Northeast this year.

“This is Mr. Porter’s home territory,” Hollendorfer said. “He likes to run there.”

Hollendorfer said Porter was “hoping” to attend the race.

Songbird was the champion 2-year-old filly of 2015 and champion 3-year-old filly of 2016. Songbird has won 12 of 13 starts and earned $4,112,000.