Faja left a field of 2-year-olds in his wake with a powerful stretch run to come home an 8 3/4-length maiden special winner Saturday at Gulfstream Park in the debut for the son of Bodemeister.
Following his excellent performance, Faja was named a TDN Rising Star, the first for freshman sire Bodemeister. With just two weeks left in 2016, Bodemeister is solidly placed in third on the First-Crop Sire list. Bodemeister himself was named a TDN Rising Star after his nearly 10-length maiden special weight win.
Faja got a nice trip in Saturday’s one-mile affair, sitting just outside of pacesetter Harlan’s Quest before willingly taking over at the top of the stretch. Leveling off nicely late, Faja easily pulled away to get the distance in 1:36.72 while under a hand ride.
Faja is out of Salty Romance, a stakes winner at two, and is a half-brother to Agave Kiss, winner of the Cicada S. (G3) and three additional black type events.
The winner was bred by Blue Devil Racing Stable and owned by Harrell Ventures LLC.
