CHAMPION Songbird had one mission this summer – Saratoga.

The undefeated filly started the mission with a win in the Coaching Club American Oaks at the end of July and then finished it with a win in the 10-furlong Alabama last Saturday. Jockey Mike Smith, who admitted that he panicked in the CCA Oaks when Carina Maria pounced on Songbird, didn’t have any need for worry this time as Songbird was at her professional best from the moment she walked in the gate.