Songbird works six furlongs toward 2016 debut

ARCADIA, Calif. – Songbird, unbeaten in four starts, including the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies in October, is on schedule for her first start of 2016 in the $300,000 Las Virgenes Stakes at Santa Anita on Feb. 6.

On Thursday, Songbird moved closer to the race with a six-furlong workout in 1:14.40 at Santa Anita.

According to Santa Anita clockers, Songbird ran the first half-mile in 50.20 seconds and the final quarter-mile in 24.20. She galloped out seven furlongs in 1:27.80. Songbird worked alone.

Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said Songbird did not miss significant training last week despite several days of wet weather.

“Right now, we have no complaints,” Hollendorfer said. “She’s doing great. We were lucky with the weather.”

Owned by Rick Porter, Songbird has earned $1,502,000. Prior to the BC Juvenile Fillies at Keeneland, Songbird won two Grade 1 races in September – the Del Mar Debutante at seven furlongs and the Chandelier Stakes at 1 1/16 miles at Santa Anita. Songbird is expected to be named the champion 2-year-old filly of 2015 at the Eclipse Awards ceremony in Florida on Saturday evening.

The Grade 2 Las Virgenes Stakes at a mile is expected to be a prep for the $400,000 Santa Anita Oaks at 1 1/16 miles on April 9.