The amazing Songbird (Jerry Hollendorfer/Mike Smith) took her unbeaten sequence to 11 with yet another resounding victory as she overwhelmed a field of top-class rivals in the Cotillion Stakes (Grade 1 – 1700m, dirt, 3yo fillies) , coasting home by nearly six lengths in a totally dominant performance.
On paper, the $1 million event looked set to provide the sternest test of Songbird’s flawless career to date. On the racetrack, it was to prove anything but as the brilliant daughter of Medaglia d’Oro scored in imperious fashion, tracking front-runner Carina Mia before easily taking command at the head of the stretch.
“A picture of perfection,” suggested the racecaller as the 3-10 favourite sauntered clear, and it was hard to argue as she won going away from front-runner Carina Mia. Kentucky Oaks winner Cathryn Sophia, kept off the pace at her home venue, was a poor third nearly seven lengths behind the second.
“She was so happy, so calm and cool,” said Mike Smith, the only rider last year’s Eclipse Award-winning filly has known. “She was having fun today. That was the old her and I was so glad to see that.
“There have been times when I had to ask her for a jump or two, maybe in the Coaching Club American Oaks for about a good 100 yards, but she does things so easily and I’m so blessed to be a part of her. She seems to have blossomed. I don’t know if that’s possible or not.”
Songbird – who is named after a Fleetwood Mac song, specifically the Eva Cassidy version – stopped the clock at 1m44.02s. She has now won her 11 starts – seven at Grade 1 level – by a cumulative 60½ lengths.
“She just continues to amaze me,” said Rick Porter of owners Fox Hill Farms. “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.”
Porter confirmed that Songbird’s next target is the Breeders’ Cup Distaff; she will also stay in training at four. “We got a big one coming now,” he said. “I think Jerry and I agree the Distaff is the race to run her in. There’s some big cheese in that race.”
RacingPost.com
