Champion Songbird made a winning return to the races as she turned in yet another dominating performance in the G2 Summertime Oaks at Santa Anita. The daughter of Medaglia d’Oro had been sidelined since her victory in the G1 Santa Anita Oaks after developing a fever.
Only four other fillies lined up to take their chances against Songbird, and at the start it was Bellamentary that went to the front to set the pace. Songbird rated just behind her in second as the field raced through the clubhouse turn and entered the backstretch.
Midway through the backstretch Songbird eased alongside Bellamentary, then began to open up a slight lead heading into the far turn. Songbird continued to widen her lead through the far turn and into the stretch, eventually cruising under the wire to win by six lengths while under a hand ride.
Bred in Kentucky by John Antonelli, Songbird was purchased for $400,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling sale by Fox Hill Farm. Songbird is out of Ivanavinalot, who captured the G2 Bonnie Miss and was second in the G2 Davona Dale as a three-year-old.
Medaglia d'Oro is experiencing yet another outstanding year in 2016 having sired 10 Blacktype winners so far. In addition to Songbird, Medaglia d’Oro’s son Mshawish has illustrated his sire’s versatility by capturing the G1 Donn Handicap on the dirt after having won the G1 Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap last year. Medaglia d’Oro’s worldwide influence is exemplified by the likes of Vancouver, a G1 winner in Australia last year, in addition to five additional Group winners in Australia in 2016.
