Kentucky Derby notes: With Songbird out, Rachel’s Valentina is favored in Kentucky Oaks

Friday’s $1-million Kentucky Oaks was supposed to be more than a conversation starter on who was the best 3-year-old in the country. The argument was being made that Songbird, an undefeated filly in seven races by a combined 35 1/2 lengths, was better than any of the boys.

But about three weeks ago, she came down with a low-grade fever and was pulled from the race by owner Rick Porter and trainer Jerry Hollendorfer.

So, what was supposed to be Songbird’s coronation will instead be a race to find the best female horse currently running.

Rachel’s Valentina, winner of the Ashland Stakes at Keeneland, was made the 7-2 favorite for the Oaks. The filly is the daughter of Rachel Alexandra, who did beat the colts in the Preakness Stakes in 2009.

Todd Pletcher, who also saddles Mo D’Amour, said earlier this week that Rachel’s Valentina has been near perfect from the start.

“There were no mysteries about her,” Pletcher said. “She came as advertised and right from the start she did everything right. … It makes my job easier.”

Weep No More and Cathryn Sophia are second favorites at 9-2.

Land Over Sea, who has the same connections as Kentucky Derby favorite Nyquist, is 5-1.

Meanwhile, Songbird returned to training on Sunday at Santa Anita, and has been on the track several times.

“Each horse is different in dealing with a fever,” Hollendorfer’s assistant trainer Dan Ward told Ed Golden of Santa Anita. “She got over it in quick fashion. There was nothing abnormal. Her blood was always good, so it was easy to get over. She’s just happy to be back in training.”

Marketing 101

Members of trainer Doug O’Neill’s Nyquist team were all found sporting either blue or white hats from a company that provides private jet service.

Asked what his stable got in return for the free advertising, O’Neill said: “I know we got something. I don’t exactly know what. Free hats, I think.”

Not immune from sponsorship deals was Nyquist owner Paul Reddam, who has been enlisted as a frontman for a nasal strip company. At a news conference Thursday, Reddam, caught off guard to plug a product, quickly said he used the product and endorsed it. It was met with laughter.