The fabulous and freakish freight train filly better known as Songbird will miss the Kentucky Oaks after spiking a low grade fever, her owner Rick Porter announced via facebook.

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This one burns. The first Friday in May would have been Songbird’s classic coronation. She would have won this race, and could probably do so at 75%. But this filly is world class, and that’s exactly how Porter and veteran trainer Jerry Hollendorfer are handling her. Horsemanship over showmanship.

And with that swift shot to the kidney, defection season begins. Three weeks of bubble wrapping and breath holding as the clouds of unpredictability move in. The Kentucky Oaks is up for grabs.

Get well soon, champ.