Saratoga’s Grade 2 Bowling Green Stakes is always a treat for turf fans. It’s one of the Spa’s premier marathon events for the older division, consistently delivering a great mix of battle-tested domestic stayers and ambitious international shippers.
At 1 3/8 miles on the inner turf, this race is much more than a standalone prize-it’s the ultimate stepping stone to late-summer targets like the Grade 1 Sword Dancer.
This year’s edition is shaping up to be a real chess match, featuring a blend of proven graded winners, fast-improving turf specialists, and a highly intriguing British raider from the Ed Walker yard.
While plenty of these runners know their way around Saratoga, it’s the overseas wildcard that has everyone talking.
But don’t sleep on Carson’s Run or Soleil Volant; if they bring their A-game, they have more than enough class to fight out the finish.
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The British Invasion: Fort George Brings Major Intrigue
The horse driving the most conversation this year is undoubtedly Fort George (GB).
Shipped over from Newmarket by trainer Ed Walker, the four-year-old gelding has been climbing the ladder back home.
He’s already picked up black-type form over middle distances, proving he has the stamina to stay all day and the gears to quicken off a strong pace.
Walker has been finding plenty of success on the global stage lately, and the fact that he’s sending Fort George across the Atlantic tells you everything you need to know about how highly he rates him.
With top jockey Kieran Shoemark making the trip just to take the reins, the connections are clearly serious.
The big question is how quickly he can adapt to Saratoga’s tighter inner turf course.
European stayers boast a phenomenal record when crossing the pond for these longer turf marathons where tactical speed and deep stamina are everything.
Charlie Appleby Won The Bowling Green In 2024
Look no further than 2024, when Charlie Appleby brought Silver Knott over to capture this exact race.
Fort George is used to running against world-class company.
In fact, he was last seen in late March finishing just six lengths behind Ombudsman-one of the absolute best horses on the planet right now-in the Dubai Turf at Meydan.
While before that ran former Breeders’ Cup Turf winner Rebel’s Romance close in the City Of Gold in Dubai at the end of February (watch below).
His biggest hurdle this weekend will likely be adjusting to the typically slower, more strategic early fractions of American turf racing.
If Shoemark can get him into a comfortable rhythm early and unleash that European stamina down the stretch, this British challenger has every tool required to walk away with a marquee Saratoga trophy.
Race Day Details & How to Watch The Bowling Green Stakes 2026
The 2026 Bowling Green Stakes goes off on Sunday, July 26, at Saratoga Race Course, with post time set for approximately 5:44 PM ET.
The horses will compete for a $200,000 purse.
In the US: Catch the race live on FOX Sports (FS1/FS2) as part of their comprehensive Saratoga Live coverage.
International & Digital: Fans can follow the action via FanDuel TV and other major racing broadcasters.
For UK Fans: If you’re staying up to cheer on Fort George, the race will air live on Sky Sports Racing at 22:39 PM on Saturday night.
2026 Bowling Green Stakes Field: Draw, Jockey and Trainer
- 1 – Ole Crazy Bone: Flavien Prat/Michael J. Maker
- 2 – Soleil Volant: Tyler Gaffalione/H. Graham Motion
- 3 – Desvio: John R. Velazquez/Madison F. Meyers
- 4 – Fort George (GB): Kieran Shoemark/Ed Walker
- 5 – Carson’s Run: Joel Rosario/Miguel Clement
- 6 – Minaret Station: Jose L. Ortiz/William Walden
- 7 – Carcano: Manuel Franco/Victoria H. Oliver
- 8 – Yo Daddy: Ricardo Santana Jr./Linda Rice
- 9 – Kinetic: Flavien Prat/Ilkay Kantarmaci
- 10 – Dr. Kraft: Silvestre Gonzalez/Ilkay Kantarmaci
Bowling Green Verdict: Best Bets and Each-Way Value
If the early pace is a crawl, this race turns into a tactical sprint to the wire, making early positioning absolutely critical.
Fort George (GB) feels like the horse with the highest ceiling.
If he handles the track transition, his form lines are incredibly strong.
That March run behind Ombudsman looks even better now, considering Ombudsman came right back out to win the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Before that, Fort George ran the world-class Rebel’s Romance to within 1 1/2 lengths to finish second in February.
Fun trend note: Far Bridge won this race from gate 4 last year-the exact same draw Fort George has today.
Carson’s Run is the clear and obvious danger.
He loves the Spa, possesses undeniable class, and has jockey Joel Rosario aboard-the man who piloted last year’s winner.
Meanwhile, Soleil Volant is an ascending, upwardly mobile type who looks ready to take another step forward.
- Suggested Bet: FORT GEORGE
- Main Dangers: Carson’s Run and Soleil Volant
- Each-Way Value: Carcano
Who Won in 2025 Bowling Green Stakes?
The 2025 renewal belonged to Far Bridge, who put on a gritty, determined display under Joel Rosario to secure the Grade 2 spoils for trainer Miguel Clement.
The five-year-old relished the 1 3/8-mile trip, adding another top-tier Saratoga win to his resume.
That result directly impacts this year’s storyline: Miguel Clement is back, aiming for consecutive Bowling Green titles, this time with the formidable Carson’s Run.
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