She's two-for-two over the track and 13-for-14 overall with a nose second to future Hall of Famer Beholder (Henny Hughes) the lone blemish–if you can call it that–on her resume, but one could certainly argue that 'TDN Rising Star' Songbird (Medaglia d'Oro) has something to prove in Saratoga's GI Personal Ensign S. Saturday. Has she lost a step at four, like so many great sophomore fillies before her? She has won both of her 2017 starts, but it does remain a question at least worth considering. Her one-length victory in Belmont's GI Ogden Phipps S. June 10 was comfortable enough–she wasn't asked for much and has been flattered by the fact that the race produced four next-out stakes scorers, plus an optional claiming winner and runner-up, from as many to return.
The Fox Hill Farms colorbearer shipped back and fourth from her Southern California base again to contest the July 15 GI Delaware H., and that's when the rumblings began. Facing probably the weakest bunch she had since her debut, Songbird controlled the pace from the outset, but seemed all out to best by a length a runner whose last two victories had come in starter allowance company, and who since finished second at 11-10 in Thistledown's Lady Jacqueline S. Songbird earned a 92 Beyer Speed Figure–the slowest she's received since her first start at three.
Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer doesn't seem at all concerned, however. “We think we've prepared her well for this race,” he said. “I like the way she is right now. She's ready to run. According to what we're looking at and according to what her rider says, we think she's even better than she was last year.”
The Hall of Famer does well shipping to the Spa–in addition to a pair of Grade I successes by Songbird last year, he sent Sweet Lulu (Mr. Greeley) for a score in the 2013 GI Test S., and fellow 'Rising Star' It Tiz Well (Arch) ran a good second after setting a swift pace in last Saturday's GI Alabama S. Songbird's stiffest challenge figures to come from regally bred Forever Unbridled (Unbridled's Song), who was a hard-charging third to Beholder and Songbird in last year's GI Breeders' Cup Distaff. The two-time Grade I winner, who was a close third in this even last year, was last seen handling overmatched foes in Churchill's GII Fleur de Lis H. June 17.
The Personal Ensign offers an automatic berth into the Breeders' Cup Distaff.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
