Champion Songbird extends winning streak to 11
CHAMPION American filly Songbird extended its winning streak to 11 with another classy display in the Grade 1 Cotillion Stakes at Parx Racing.
The daughter of Kentucky toyed with its opposition over the 1700m in scoring by 5.75 lengths and it’s now looking a top chance in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Distaff at Santa Anita on November 4 where it’s a $2 chance at Sportsbet.
Fox Hill Farm’s owner Rick Porter couldn’t have been more impressed with the three-year-old which is starting to build a big fan base in North America.
“She just continues to amaze me,” Porter said. “I’ve been fortunate enough to have some nice horses. Even though we’ve won Horse of the Year with Havre de Grace, I’m amazed by Songbird’s accomplishments.
“It doesn’t get any better than to watch her today. She was just gorgeous. I’m proud to watch her race. She gives me chills every time. It’s just so much fun to watch her run.
“We got a big one coming now. I thought this race fit in with the Breeders’ Cup. The timing is perfect.
“I think Jerry (Hollendorfer, trainer) and I agree the Distaff is the race to run her in. There’s some big cheese in that race, but that’s the fun of it—hook the big ones and hopefully beat ’em. All along we’ve thought about sticking with the girls. The time will come next year when we talk about it. I hope that she stays healthy, and it looks like she can beat grade I boys. I think I can talk (Jerry) into taking a shot.”
Songbird was the $1.20 favourite and was expected to win on Sunday, but it faced the classy Cathryn Sophia which won the Kentucky Oaks earlier this season.
Hall of Fame trainer Jerry Hollendorfer didn’t know what to expect from the opposition, but was happy with how Songbird was travelling in the run.
“When I talked with Mike (Smith, jockey) about the race, we just wanted to jump and see where we were,” Hollendorfer said. “I didn’t know what (Cathryn Sophia) was going to do. I thought she was capable of showing some speed. Songbird laid off the pace a little and ran when Mike asked her to.
“I’m very grateful for her and very pleased with the way that she did that today. I thought she was going great down the backside.”
Jockey Mike Smith believes it has only improved since winning the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies last year and he feels blessed to be aboard the champion filly.
“She seems to have blossomed (since the Juvenile),” Smith said. “I don’t know if that is possible or not. It feels strange saying that as good as she is but look at her colour, she was so playing in the post parade. I think she likes the cooler weather.
“She was so happy, so calm and cool. She drew away. She was having fun today. She does things so easily and I’m so blessed to be a part of her.”
Punters will be happy with the $2 available with Australian bookmakers for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff. It looks one of the better bets throughout the carnival which takes place only a few days after the 2016 Melbourne Cup, so expect Songbird to attract plenty of support.