Las Virgenes is Songbird's to Lose

Just how dominant is the three year-old Queen? In a four race tour de force in 2015, Songbird never trailed at any point, and no horse ever got closer than four and a quarter lengths of the superstar trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. The daughter of Medaglia d'Oro is already a three-time grade 1 winner with consecutive romps in the Del Mar Debutante, Chandelier, and Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. Each of those tallies came at different racetracks with Songbird earning progressively higher Beyer Speed Figures of 85,90 and 99. She has worked exceptionally well for her return including a six furlong move from the gate in 1:11 and change on January 20 at Santa Anita. Hollendorfer connects at a solid 15% clip with runners returning from 61-180 day layoffs. Regular rider Mike Smith will be in the irons breaking from post 5. 

Street Fancy on the improve

Street Fancy (6/1) overcame early trouble December 12 to win the Grade 1 Starlet while making her first start around two turns. While she earned just a 74 Beyer Speed Figure for the triumph, Street Fancy is clearly improving and could take another step forward in her three year-old debut. Trainer Phil D'Amato hits at an impressive 20% with 31-60 day comebackers, and the filly's last two works indicate she's ready to fire. 

Land Over Sea tries favorite again

Land Over Sea (8/1) has back class, but has lost to Songbird in each of her last three races, including a disappointing Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies where the Doug O'Neill trainee finished 13 1/2 lengths back of the winner while finishing seventh. Look for a better effort from Land Over Sea who is another logical candidate to hit the board.