AROUND THE TRACK Rachel halfbrother Fayeq shows talent

By David M. Johnson

“Jamaicans are passionate about a lot of stuff and sport is one of the things we’re most passionate about. I feel like wherever I’m at Jamaicans all over the world are behind me and happy for me.”

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » Two horses garnered special attention from horse racing fans in Race 4 at Saratoga Race Course Wednesday.

Emancipation, the No. 2 horse, was a full brother to 2013 Kentucky Derby winner Orb and No. 4 Fayeq was a halfbrother to 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra. The 3-year-old colts are half brothers themselves, having been sired by Malibu Moon.

The bettors sent both off at about 2-1 odds in an $85,000 allowance race at 1 1/8 miles on a fast main track but the similarities between the two in this race ended there.

The Kiaran McLaughlin trainee stalked the pacesetters for the first 3/4 of a mile before making a move on the second turn. Fayeq reeled in Battle Midway and Hammerin Aamer by the top of the stretch then increased his lead through to the wire. The winning time was 1:51.19 and final margin of victory was 3 1/2 lengths.

The win improved Fayeq to 2-0-1 in four career starts — all as a 3-year-old.

Emancipation hit the board in both of his career starts but may have been a little too active in the paddock Wednesday. The 3-year-old broke last in the field of six but kept the field within striking distance. As the field turned for home Emancipation moved in position to rally, but didn’t have enough left to challenge the leaders. The Shug McGaughey trainee placed fourth.

Fayeq paid $6 to win. He was bred in Kentucky by Heaven Trees Farm and sold to Shadwell Stable at the September 2015 Keenland sales for $800,000. said of the ride. “Then I let go of the bridle. I said if you wanna go, go. It’s better than fighting the whole way and he went on to win the race.”

Announcer Larry Collmus noted Voodoo Song was on the backstretch of the final lap as the rest of the field was still making the turn.

The field eventually began to close in midway through the backstretch. Man of Wiregrass cut the lead to 6 1/2 lengths before Vintage Matters moved to within four lengths by the final turn.

Lezcano finally asked with 3/16 to go and Voodoo Song answered. He held on to win by 3/4 of a length. Vintage Matters was second followed by Super Hawk.

Winning Owner Barry K. Schwartz called Rice immediately following the race.

“He was excited,” Rice said.

Voodoo Song was sent off as the favorite and paid $3.70. His final time was 2:13.6.