Graveyard of Champions: Not Today

Superstar filly Songbird proved that Saratoga, the Graveyard of Champions, was no match for the talent that she is, when she added the G1 Coaching Club American Oaks to her already phenomenal resume of victories. Now stretching her career record to a perfect nine-for-nine, the unbeaten filly by Medaglia D’Oro faced, arguably, her toughest test yet in the form of Malibu Moon filly, Carina Mia. Breaking sharply, Songbird immediately gunned for the lead, and shortly after, found Carina Mia, who broke directly outside of her, at her flank. 

For a few moments, it appeared that a speed duel may materialize, but Songbird was able to shake loose from the filly chasing behind her, where she settled into a comfortable first quarter of :23.86, and a half in :47.52. At the head of the stretch, for the very first time in her life, Songbird was challenged, and Hall of Fame Mike Smith called upon his prized filly for all the fight she had. She responded with conviction, as she strode past hard-trying Carina Mia, and drew away to win by five-lengths. 

As the sun sets in New York tonight, it will be difficult to diffuse the buzz that will undoubtably linger throughout the grandstand, and spill over into the streets of Saratoga Springs; for this time, the champion outran the superstition, coming away unscathed.