Voodoo Song works five furlongs for Bernard Baruch Handicap

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Voodoo Song apparently likes the Oklahoma turf course, too.

Voodoo Song on Friday worked a sharp five furlongs in 1:00.88 and then had a visually impressive gallop-out over the Oklahoma turf course in preparation for an expected start in the Grade 2, $250,000 Bernard Baruch Handicap at Saratoga on Sept. 3, the closing day of the meet.

Voodoo Song got his final three furlongs in 34.97 seconds while galloping out well down the backside before the exercise rider could pull him up.

“Brilliant work,” trainer Linda Rice said. “I guess he likes this course, too.”

Voodoo Song is 5 for 5 over the Saratoga turf courses in the afternoon, including a victory in the Grade 1 Fourstardave Handicap here Aug. 11. His affinity for Saratoga is one reason why his connections chose to run him in the Bernard Baruch, as opposed to waiting for the Grade 1 Woodbine Mile on Sept. 15.

“Runs over a course he loves, doesn’t have to go to Canada, maybe like it, maybe not,” Rice said. “Who knows?”

Rice said she was going to work Voodoo Song on Monday, but moved it up due to a threat of rain Sunday.

“I’m glad I worked him a little further out from the race,” Rice said. “Usually when they breeze well, they run well.”

As of Friday, there were only two confirmed runners for the Bernard Baruch – Voodoo Song and Inspector Lynley. The race drew 18 nominations but several are entered in or are pointing to other races.

Horsemen can supplement to the Bernard Baruch for a fee of $2,500, but must do so by Monday, when weights will be assigned.