Don't Look for Defeat in Songbird's Return

A perfect 7 for 7 in her career, Songbird's only hiccup was a minor injury that forced the star filly to miss the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks in May. But the work tab says she's ready and so does her cautious trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, which likely means everyone else is running for second. A four-time grade 1 winner and two year-old champion, Songbird has never been challenged in her career and likely won't again unless something goes uncharacteristically awry. Songbird is 3 for 3 this year, including her most recent score, a facile win in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Oaks April 9. 

Champ adding options to her arsenal 

Arguably the best three year-old in training - especially in the aftermath of a Triple Crown series largely lacking in star power - Songbird has reportedly worked brilliantly for her return including a move where she was purposefully placed behind horses and asked to split as she rallied between. The speedster appears to be adding new dimensions to her game as the Summertime Oaks looks little more than a stepping stone towards larger goals - perhaps facing males latter in the summer on the east coast. 

A true one-horse race

If anyone is to upend the champ, it's not visible on paper or on the merit of legitimate handicapping angles. Hollendorfer excells bringing horses back from similar layoffs and word from the connections, track clockers and other insiders says she's sitting on go and ready to rack up win number eight against an outmatched field.