Voodoo Song goes for sixth Spa win in Baruch

By Jeff Scott SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » Voodoo Song deepened his reputation as one of the most dangerous frontrunning horses around with his gritty neck win in the Fourstardave Handicap (G1) three weeks ago. The New York-bred son of English Channel has led at the third call in all 11 starts since being moved to Linda Rice’s barn last summer. Voodoo Song won seven of those races.

All of this has contributed to the 4-year-old colt being tabbed as the evenmoney favorite today in the $250,000 Bernard Baruch Stakes (G2). Voodoo Song will be running at arguably his best distance of 1 1/16 miles, as well as at what is inarguably his favorite racetrack, where he has won all five starts, all in gate-to-wire fashion.

The deep-closing Synchrony is given the best chance of catching Voodoo Song at 3-1. A rare turf stakes horse by Tapit, Synchrony has hit the board in his last eight starts. The streak includes three graded wins, most recently a 2¼-length score in the 1 1/16-mile Oceanport Stakes (G3) at Monmouth.

Inspector Lynley (4-1) also has a perfect record (2-for-2) at Saratoga, with both of his wins coming in stakes. The 5-year-old Lemon Drop Kid horse took the Saranac at 7-1 last summer, and then prevailed in the restricted Lure Stakes three weeks ago. Inspector Lynley is another horse who likes to come from well off the pace.

Projected (9-2) will be looking to cure himself of a bad case of seconditis, having been the runner-up in three of his last four starts. The 6-year-old Showcasing gelding was beaten three-quarters of a length by Inspector Lynley in the Lure.

On paper, Forge (101) appears most likely to attempt to keep Voodoo Song honest on the front end. The multiple Group 3-placed 5-year-old is winless in eight starts since last June.

Qurbaan (12-1) will be making his first start in North America, his first start for new trainer Kiaran McLaughlin and his first start since October 2017. The 5-year-old Speightstown horse assembled a 5-1-2 record in 13 starts racing in France, Dubai, Britain and Turkey.