Songbird soars to victory in $1 million Cotillion Stakes

Continuing to handle every opponent in her division with utmost ease, Songbird won the Grade 1, $1.06 million Cotillion Stakes by 5¾ lengths on Saturday at Parx Racing in Bensalem, Pa.

Songbird broke first in the 11/16-mile race under jockey Mike Smith but allowed Carina Mia to take a 1-length lead around the first turn and halfway down the backstretch.

Cathryn Sophia, who won the Kentucky Oaks that Songbird missed with a minor illness, was supposed to give Hollendorfer’s filly her sternest test in their first meeting.

[...] races with females her own age are done; next up for Songbird is the Breeders’ Cup Distaff on Nov. 4 at Santa Anita where she will meet 6-year-old mare Beholder and 4-year-old filly Stellar Wind.

Beholder has won 13 of 14 starts at Santa Anita (17 of 24 overall), has earned $4,996,600 and won Eclipse Awards as outstanding 2-year-old filly in 2012, 3-year-old filly in 2013 and older female in 2015.