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.
Read more at Today's Racing Digest
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