6/10 (BEL): 149th Belmont Stakes Day (6 G1's, 3 G2's, 1 G3)
 

Songbird to Belmont Park for 2017 debut

California-based two-time champion Songbird will make her 2017 debut at Belmont Park on June 10, Belmont Stakes day, trainer Jerry Hollendorfer confirmed early Thursday morning.

Songbird, who is scheduled to work Thursday at Santa Anita, is nominated to the Grade 1, $400,000 Beholder Mile on June 3 at Santa Anita, but Hollendorfer and Songbird’s owner Rick Porter have opted for the $750,000 Phipps one week later.

“The degree of difficulty between the two races is probably about the same,” Hollendorfer said. “But one purse is 750, and the other purse is 400. That was a big factor. Plus, it would give me another week to work with her and get her ready before Belmont day.”

Songbird has not started since finishing second by a nose in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff on Nov. 4. That was her first loss from 12 starts. Songbird has earned $3,712,000.

Mike Smith is scheduled to work Songbird by herself Thursday morning at 6:30. Battle of Midway, third in the Kentucky Derby, also will work Thursday as he prepares for the Grade 3 Affirmed on June 24 at Santa Anita.

Songbird is ducking Stellar Wind................no ands if or buts..............sorry it is what it is

Sure, I'll bite!


Maybe there's a couple hundred K ands ifs or buts about it!

We are talking about the same Stellar Wind that finished a handful of lengths behind Songbird the last time they were seen together, correct?

What is it about Songbird that turns some people into lunatics?

Imagine Rick Porter's frail health playing into the decision as well.

That she got jobbed is one thing that comes to mind.
Her beauty and ability is another.

That might explain it for you, but what about RTH saying she's no better than Plum Pretty or Fatpiano saying her connections are ducking, of all horses, Stellar Wind?

Losing Songbird has got to sting Santa Anita.........of course the way they run their meet it seems kind of fitting.
Good break for Belmont getting more star power for their best card of the year.

Conquest Mo Money leaning towards the Woody Stephens over Belmont try..

What happened to Irap, did he get hurt?

Ohio Derby.. aka The 'Buckeye Belmont'..

Thanks!

Practical Joke should be in The Met Mile.................I'm just saying

For an 8th place workout?

I agree ( and I'm not the only one ) but unfortunately he's not nominated and has been training towards the Dwyer.

At least she'll get a fair chance by the placing judges in New York should any hoss get near her, which is doubtful.

Why run against better older hosses and be about 8-1, when he will be fave and win the Dwyer ?

Grade 2, $400,000 Brooklyn Invitational

Probable: Doyouknowsomething (A.C. Avila); Behesht (Arnold); Governor Malibu (Clement); Idolo Porteno (Ignacio Correas, IV); Send It In (Pletcher); Sunny Ridge (Jason Servis); Tu Brutus (Gary Contessa); War Story (Navarro)


Grade 3, $300,000 Jaipur Invitational

Probable: Canadian Flyer (Mott); Conquest Enforcer (Giglio); Disco Partner (Clement); Green Mask (Cox); Hogy (Larry Rivelli); Holding Gold (Casse); Loose on the Town (Lynch); Pure Sensation (Clement); Stormy Liberal (Miller); Tombelaine (C. Brown), Undrafted (Ward); Why Two (Michael Machowsky)

Possible: Always Sunshine (Allard)

Brooklyn looks fun!! Too bad Arrogate is ducking these guys :)