Betting With, and Against, Minaret Station in the Christophe Clement Turf

An especially well-matched and accomplished field of seven will travel 1 1/2 miles over the Saratoga green in Saturday’s $750,000 Christophe Clement Turf (G1). Grade 2 victor #6 Minaret Station (3-1) has been installed as the lukewarm morning-line choice in the excellent cast for trainer William Walden. 

Minaret Station – With

• $24 exacta 6 with 7 ($24
• $2 trifecta 6 with 3,7 with all ($16)

Minaret Station – Against

• $20 win #7 Survie ($20
• $1 trifecta 3,7 with 3,6,7 with all ($20) 

The bay son of Instilled Regard is a lightly raced four-year-old with a lot of ability and ample room to improve, with just six lifetime runs to his credit in advance of Saturday. A winner of the 2024 Bourbon (G2) at Keeneland in his two-year-old finale, the homebred raced just once as a sophomore and made it a good one when he annexed the American Derby at Churchill Downs. 

Minaret Station is winless this season but has run quite well in each of his three 2026 outings, including a close third in the recent Bowling Green (G2) on the course at his first extended trip on the sod. The colt was well clear of his nearest pursuer while earning a hefty 107 Brisnet Late Pace rating in the event, and the added furlong will be right in his wheelhouse on Saturday. Jose Ortiz has the assignment. 

I was very impressed with the measured win posted by #7 Survie (6-1) in the Glens Falls (G2) against the ladies in her stateside debut and feel that she will be up to the task facing the boys from the outside post. George Boughey trainee proved her ability to run with males in Saudi in February when third in the deep Neom Turf Cup (G1), and the Churchill mare surely seemed to take to this course well in her latest venture, as well. Manny Franco inherits the ride. 

#3 Ole Crazy Bone (4-1) has turned out to be a fantastic claim for trainer Mike Maker, who grabbed this one for a hefty $100,000 in June of 2025. The multiple Grade 2 hero comes off a wire-to-wire tally in the Bowling Green on the oval last time out, but the son of Ghostzapper doesn’t need the lead to thrive and his versatility makes him a major threat in the grassy marathon. The six-year-old gelding will be forwardly placed from the break.