All systems remain go for Songbird in Breeders' Cup Distaff 2016
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All systems remain go for unbeaten superstar filly
Songbird as she seeks her 12th straight victory in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Distaff at Santa Anita on Nov. 4.
“She’s continued to do things the way she started out doing them,” said Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, who has ridden the daughter of Medaglia d’Oro in all of her races, including the Cotillion at Parx on Sept. 24. “It’s pretty incredible for her to still dominate the way she has. Her last race was one of her best, so that’s always a good sign leading into a big, big race.
“She’s doing really well, she’s happy and back at Santa Anita. I saw her the other day and she looks wonderful. She’s none the worse for wear. She seems to keep her weight on, her coat is shining, and all is good.”
Added her Hall of Fame trainer Jerry Hollendorfer Sunday morning: “She’s going to breeze Thursday. That will be her first work since winning the Cotillion and it will be 11 days from her race, which is longer than I usually wait, but since she shipped and everything, I’m giving her more time.”
FINISH LINES: Lord Nelson, winner of the Grade I Bing Crosby and the Grade I Triple Bend in his last two starts, worked five furlongs Sunday morning under Rafael Bejarano for next Saturday’s Grade I “Win and You’re In” Santa Anita Sprint Championship in 59.80. “He went nice; he’s ready,” said Bob Baffert, who rides Flavien Prat in the Sprint. “This will set him up.” Jazzy Times and Drefong, also nominated to the Sprint, worked four furlongs for Baffert in a bullet 47 flat . . . Mike Smith, who has ridden Drefong to three straight victories including the Grade I Kings Bishop on Aug. 27, rides at Belmont Park Saturday on Jockey Club Gold Cup day . . . John Sadler said Stellar Wind came out of her neck victory over Beholder “great” and it’s on to the Breeders’ Cup Distaff and a potential third meeting with the three-time Eclipse champion. “What’s nice is that we’ll be in our own home environment (as Santa Anita hosts the 32nd Breeders’ Cup for an unprecedented ninth time on Nov. 4 and 5),” Sadler said. “We’ll give Stellar Wind a breather for a few days and get ready for the big one.” . . . Harbour Master, a two-year-old trained by Jamie Osborne, arrives Wednesday for the $100,000 Zuma Beach Stakes at a mile on turf Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 10. Jockey Jamie Spencer rides.
Source: Santa Anita Park
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