The week that was in racing, June 13-19, 2016

Here's a collection of some of the biggest stories in horse racing, all in one place. Unless noted, all of the links here are to free stories on DRF.com.

Songbird still unbeaten, untested

Songbird missed the Kentucky Oaks last month due to a mild fever, but she didn’t miss a beat Saturday, returning to win her eighth race in as many starts in the Grade 2 Summertime Oaks at Santa Anita. After the race, trainer Jerry Hollendorfer mapped out a plan that featured Songbird heading East [DRF+ link] before returning to California for the Breeders’ Cup.

Americans win big at Royal Ascot

Tepin scored an historic victory in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot last Tuesday, becoming the first American-based winner of the race that kicks off the Royal Ascot meet. On Wednesday, Wesley Ward’s Lady Aurelia followed up on her track-record-setting debut at Keeneland in April with an impressive seven-length win in the Queen Mary Stakes.

Bradester gets first Grade 1 win in Foster

Bradester seized early command and never looked back in posting a 9-1 upset Saturday night in the 35th running of the Grade 1 Stephen Foster Handicap at Churchill Downs. It was the first Grade 1 win for the 6-year-old horse by Lion Heart.

Paid Up Subscriber is paid up for Breeders’ Cup

Paid Up Subscriber became a player in the filly-and-mare division and earned an expenses-paid trip to the Breeders’ Cup with an emphatic victory Saturday night in the 41st running of the Grade 2 Fleur de Lis Handicap at Churchill Downs. Post-time favorite Untapable finished fourth at odds of 3-5, her seventh straight loss, which led owner Ron Winchell to announce her retirement.

Gun Runner goes wire to wire in Matt Winn

Six weeks after running third in the Kentucky Derby, Gun Runner set the early pace and then drew away to an easy win in the Grade 3 Matt Winn at Churchill Downs on Saturday.

Obviously turns back time

It was fair to wonder if, at age 8 and having not won a race in two years, Obviously’s best days were behind him. Obviously not. Obviously got loose on the lead under Jose Lezcano through an easy first quarter, then dragged the jockey around the Belmont Park Widener turf course through the last six furlongs en route to a 3 3/4-length victory in Saturday’s Grade 3 Poker Stakes.

Horses to watch

Santa Anita:
LIAM THE CHARMER
Trainer: Michael McCarthy
Last race: June 18, 6th
Finish: 3rd by 1/2
Beyer: 86
Making his first start on firm turf, this improving 3-year-old lost ground throughout in a turf stakes. He rallied willingly behind the front-running winner and would be a serious contender if he returns in the Oceanside Stakes on July 15 at Del Mar.

DRF Plus subscribers can see the rest of Brad Free’s horses to watch from last week by clicking here.

– reporting by Steve Andersen, David Grening, Marcus Hersh, Mike Hogan, Byron King, Marty McGee, and Mike Watchmaker