By Jarrod Horak
The Grade 2 Bowling Green Stakes headlines an 11-race program at Saratoga on Saturday, July 11. The $250,000 event is scheduled for 1 3/8 miles on the inner turf course for older horses, and it shapes up as an intriguing tactical race with very little early speed.
A projected slow pace could make early positioning the key to victory. Here’s a look at the contenders.
Race Overview
- Race 10: Bowling Green Stakes
- Grade: 2
- Purse: $250,000
- Distance: 1 3/8 miles
- Surface: Inner Turf
- Post Time: 5:39 p.m. ET
With favorable weather expected, the three main-track-only entrants are unlikely to draw into the race.
Pace Scenario
The Bowling Green lacks a confirmed front-runner, making race shape especially important.
Ole Crazy Bone projects to secure a forward position from the rail and could find himself controlling the pace. If allowed to dictate moderate fractions, he may prove difficult to reel in during the stretch.
Horses relying on a late rally, such as Desvio, may not receive the pace setup they need.
Horse-by-Horse Analysis
#1 Ole Crazy Bone (5-2)
Ole Crazy Bone has been transformed since joining the Mike Maker barn. Claimed for $100,000 in June 2025, he quickly developed into a graded stakes winner by capturing the Grade 2 Turf Cup at Kentucky Downs under Saturday’s rider Flavien Prat.
His most recent start came in an optional claimer at a mile and one-sixteenth, where he finished a solid second in what appeared to be a prep for this race. Stretching back out to 1 3/8 miles should suit him perfectly.
His speed figures stack up well with this field, and his tactical running style is a major advantage in a race lacking true front-end speed. Drawing the rail should also allow Flavien Prat to secure ideal early position.
#2 Soleil Volant (12-1)
Soleil Volant offers value at double-digit odds.
He won at today’s distance earlier this season at Churchill Downs before finishing second in the Cape Henlopen Stakes after racing wide throughout. Breaking from post two should allow him to save considerably more ground this time.
His recent figures are competitive enough to make him a live contender for the exotics.
#3 Desvio (12-1)
Desvio has consistently run respectable races but appears pace-dependent.
He finished a distant second in the Grade 2 Elkhorn earlier this year and struggled to make up ground in another slow-paced event last time out. Unless the pace unexpectedly heats up, he’ll likely find himself with too much to do in the stretch.
#4 Fort George (9-5)
The morning-line favorite ships in from Dubai after facing quality international competition.
His recent campaign included:
- A Grade 3 victory.
- A clear runner-up finish behind Rebel’s Romance in a Grade 2.
- An unplaced effort in the Grade 1 Dubai Turf against tougher company.
Although there are no speed figures available, his class and tactical versatility make him a serious threat.
#5 Carson’s Run (10-1)
Carson’s Run has shown he likes Saratoga, including a pair of victories over the course.
The concern is current form. His last three races have fallen well below the figures he earned during his best efforts in 2024 and the Grade 2 Fort Marcy in 2025. If he can rediscover his best form, he’s capable of competing, but recent performances leave questions.
#6 Minaret Station (2-1)
Minaret Station may still have upside.
The lightly raced colt has paired identical 144 speed figures in his first two starts of the season, a pattern that often precedes another forward move. He also owns stakes credentials, including victories in the Grade 2 Bourbon Stakes and the American Derby.
The biggest question is stamina. All of his races have come at shorter distances, making this 1 3/8-mile test a new challenge.
#7 Carcano (15-1)
Carcano appears overmatched based on recent speed figures.
While he has shown some ability, he’ll need significant improvement to threaten this group.
