SONGBIRD THE HIGHLIGHT, SO FAR
The 3-year-old filly starred Sunday
You could tell from the moment she entered the paddock on Sunday that Songbird was a star. Scores of racing fans gathered to watch her be saddled by trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, and they politely cheered her and jockey Mike Smith as they left for the Coaching Club American Oaks.
In her first appearance in New York, the reigning champion of her crop of 3-year-old fillies was on the way to the main track with her unbeaten record of eight wins on the line.
Behind her was the outstanding Carina Mia, trained to the minute by Bill Mott, who knew his filly had to be the one that prevented Songbird from getting away to an uncontested lead in the race at 1 1/8 miles.
She did her job, and when she drew even with Songbird leaving the stretch turn, those in attendance roared their approval at what looked like an imminent stretch battle.
Songbird tolerated the challenge for a few seconds, before finding another gear and drawing off to win by more than five lengths.
That is her average winning margin for her nine victories, in races like the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies, Santa Anita Oaks,
and now the Coaching Club American Oaks.
And as quick as Smith gave her the signal to open up, he just as quickly was able to shut her down in the final strides to the wire.
That is the mark of a serious racehorse.
Songbird is scheduled to remain in Saratoga for the Alabama Stakes on Aug. 20 at 1 ¼ miles.
The distance will be no problem.
Owner Rick Porter and Hollendorfer made a sporting gesture to bring their diamond to the Spa,
and she delivered.
I’ve been fortunate enough to witness the likes of Ruffian, Personal Ensign, Go for Wand and Rachel Alexandra at Saratoga.
Songbird deserves to be included in that group.
Dinny Phipps
I will miss seeing the late Ogden Mills “Dinny” Phipps at this meeting on my morning rounds.
The man who gave a lifetime of service to thoroughbred racing died on April 6 following a long illness. He was 75. Among numerous positions he held were Chairman of the New York Racing
Association board of trustees and Chairman of The Jockey Club.
He bred or raced Saratoga stars such as Persistently, winner of the Personal Ensign in 2010, Personal Business, winner of the John A. Morris in 1990, Pine Island, winner of the Alabama in 2006, Point of Entry, winner of the Sword Dancer in 2012, Rhythm, winner of the Travers in 1990, and Storm Flag Flying, winner of the Personal Ensign in 2004.
Racing lost a giant with his passing.
California Chrome
The richest horse in North American history
defeated Dortmund in a thrilling edition of the San Diego Handicap last weekend at Del Mar in California.
Dortmund, making his seasonal debut as a 4-year-old, took control of the race in the early stages to lead through a half-mile in 47 seconds.
California Chrome, keeping Dortmund in close range all the way, engaged his rival and took the lead leaving the stretch turn.
But Dortmund had more in reserve, and battled California Chrome in the final three furlongs, losing by a half-length.
California Chrome carried 126 pounds, conceding five to Dortmund.
California Chrome sent his record earnings to $12,652,650 with 13 wins, three seconds and one third in 22 lifetime starts.
It was a great horse race, displaying all that is wonderful about thoroughbred racing.
I think California Chrome, who was Horse of the Year in 2014, could well be headed for that title again.
He has won all four of his starts so far this year, including the $10 million Dubai World Cup in March.
Jockey Michael Straight
Injured in a spill at Arlington
Park in 2009, he was paralyzed from the waist down while suffering head and spinal injuries.
Straight is visiting Saratoga this year, and Michael Desano has organized a breakfast benefit for him at the Holiday Inn on Aug. 10, from 9 to 11 a.m.
You may call Desano at (518)-514-8100 or (518)438-3321 for more information.