Songbird works, no decision on next start

DEL MAR, Calif. – Two-time champion Songbird breezed a half-mile in 48.60 seconds Wednesday at Del Mar, her first workout since a win in the Grade 1 Delaware Handicap on July 15.

After the workout, trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said no race plans have been finalized for Songbird, who is unbeaten in two starts this year, having also won the Grade 1 Ogden Phipps Stakes on June 10 at Belmont Park.

The main goal is the Breeders’ Cup Distaff on Nov. 3 at Del Mar, but it is unclear whether Songbird will have one or two starts before that race. One race Hollendorfer and owner Rick Porter have mentioned is the Grade 1 Zenyatta Stakes for fillies and mares Sept. 30 at Santa Anita.

“We don’t have a race cast in stone yet,” Hollendorfer said.

Hollendorfer described Songbird’s workout on Wednesday as a “maintenance work.”

Songbird won the Delaware Handicap at 1 1/4 miles by a length as the 124-pound topweight.

“I thought it was a credible race, considering the circumstances – going a mile and a quarter and carrying top weight,” Hollendorfer said.

A 4-year-old, Songbird has won 13 of 14 starts and earned $4,562,000. Her only loss was a second by a nose to the four-time champion Beholder in the BC Distaff at Santa Anita last November.

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