Hollendorfer Pleased With Songbird Audible

Jerry Hollendorfer and Songbird | Sarah K. Andrew

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SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY–Jerry Hollendorfer traveled back to Saratoga Tuesday with the intention of overseeing undefeated champion and 'TDN Rising Star' Songbird (Medaglia d'Oro)'s workout Wednesday, but after heavy rains drenched the Spa earlier in the week, the veteran trainer opted to push the breeze back one day. What resulted was another characteristically strong five-furlong workout in 1:00.81 (14/51) from the Fox Hill Farms colorbearer, who came on to the main track just after 5:30 a.m. Thursday morning . It was her first workout since capturing the GI Coaching Club American Oaks July 24.

“It was a nice work, I'm very pleased,” Hollendorfer said, monitoring Songbird's post-training routine back at the barn of Wesley Ward. “She always looks the same, she looks like she's not working that fast, but when you have the clock on her, she's coming along pretty good. She picked it up on her own–[exercise rider] Edgar [Rodriguez] didn't ask her.”

Songbird made her way out to the main track at the first light of day and, after a light warmup, commenced her workout. Still appearing well within herself after completing five furlongs, she galloped out strongly to the end of the backstretch before turning around to be escorted back to the barn area. Hollendorfer said he timed Songbird galloping out seven furlongs in 1:26.95 and a mile in 1:40.92.

Crediting the track maintenance crew for their work done to restore the main track to ideal condition since the rain ended early Tuesday, Hollendorfer said he believes he made the right decision to shift the work to Thursday.

“I had to be really flexible on this,” he continued. “I'm really happy that we waited until [Thursday], because I thought it was a better racetrack. The track is still a little bit deep, so we got a little bit of a blow out of her.”

Hollendorfer added that fitness should be of little concern as Songbird prepares for an appearance in the 10-furlong GI Alabama S. Aug. 20. The 3-year-old will likely work again next Wednesday or Thursday.

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