Qurbaan scores upset on closing day of meet

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » With a perfect 5-for-5 record at Saratoga Race Course, and the scratch of the horse deemed to be his biggest threat (Synchrony), the stars appeared to be aligned for frontrunning Voodoo Song in Monday’s closing day co-feature, the $250,000 Bernard Baruch Stakes (G2).

Voodoo Song did his thing through both turns, at one point leading by four lengths, but began backing up soon after straightening out for home. Projected, who had moved up to challenge on the far turn, went by the favorite first. Qurbaan got into the mix in midstretch, and those two were joined by Forge, who found room between them in deep stretch. The result was a three-horse photo, with Qurbaan declared the winner by a nose over Forge and Projected another nose back in third.

Qurbaan was the second-highest price on the board at 13-1.

“It seemed like the [connections] were excited about him,” said winning rider Irad Ortiz Jr. “I can see why they like the horse; he showed he can win a [graded stakes] in this country. I’m excited. Hopefully, we can build on

this.”

Inspector Lynley finished fourth, with Voodoo Song fifth and last, beaten less than three lengths. Qurbaan was clocked in 1:40 flat for 8½ furlongs over firm going.

The well-traveled Qurbaan has raced primarily in France but has also started in England, Turkey and Dubai. The Bernard Baruch was his first North American start for new trainer Kiaran McLaughlin.

“I was very worried right up until the wire, but thankfully we got there,” said McLaughlin. “After

[relatively slow early fractions], I thought we had no chance, but he responded very well and ran great.

“We’ve had him a couple of months. He came over and had some time off, but ever since he’s been with us, he’s done everything right. He’s run at various distances, and obviously with [owner] Shadwell [Stable] being the sponsor of the Shadwell Mile, we may have to try that next now that we have a horse that can go there.”

Qurbaan improved to 6-1-2 from 14 starts. The 5-year-old Speightstown horse fattened his international bankroll to $313,100.

Qurbaan paid $28 to win. The $2 exacta with Forge (also 13-1) was good for $188.50.