Channel Maker, Glorious Empire dead heat in Bowling Green

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Channel Maker was dropping in class and Glorious Empire stepping up when they met for the first time in the $250,000 Bowling Green Stakes. In the end, there was nothing separating either after the stretch-running Channel Maker and front-running Glorious Empire finished in a dead heat for first in the Grade 2 Bowling Green decided over a soft course Saturday at Saratoga.

Channel Maker had kept a steady diet of Grade 1 company thus far this season, his best finish a third in the Kilroe Mile. Glorious Empire was claimed for $62,500 by his present connections 14 months ago, was not a factor in two subsequent Grade 2 starts, and entered the race off a mid-level optional claiming/allowance win at Delaware Park.

With Julien Leparoux aboard Saturday, Glorious Empire controlled the pace from the outset of the 1 3/8-mile Bowling Green while setting slow fractions over the soft course. Glorious Empire settled into the stretch with a seemingly commanding lead and had just enough left to finish on even terms with Channel Maker.

The latter broke alertly before settling in midpack after the opening half-mile, advanced to closer contention turning into the stretch, continued willingly down the lane, and caught Glorious Empire in the final stride. Sadler’s Joy was coming on strongest of all at the end, checking home third just a half-length behind the two leaders.

Channel Maker is owned in partnership by Gary Barber and Wachtel Stable and is trained by Bill Mott. He was ridden to victory by Joel Rosario.

Glorious Empire is trained by James Lawrence for Matthew Schera.

Channel Maker went postward at odds of 5-1 and returned $7.40 to win. Glorious Empire was the second longest price on the board at 22-1 and paid $21.40. The final time was 2:19.41.

“It was too close for me to call and as I came down the steps and watched the replay, it looked like it might have been a dead heat,” said Mott. “It was weird because he kind of broke on the lead and we didn’t plan on being there. Rounding the first turn, I said 'I’m not so sure we shouldn’t have gone to the lead.' But [Rosario] finally got him settled in the run down the backside and when he asked, [Channel Maker] came with a big run.”

Mott said he was a little concerned about the race being contested over a course with so much cut in the ground.

“I wasn’t sure it was the best for him,” said Mott. “He ran on soft going at Churchill Downs, but he didn’t get a good trip, he never got a clear run. But he got a clear run today and it paid off. I just wish we got there an inch quicker.”

Lawrence, who won several Grade 1 races at Saratoga as a steeplechase rider, said he was hoping to get away with slow fractions on the lead.

“When I saw 17 and change on the softer ground, I was really happy and at the top of the lane, I didn’t think they’d catch him,” said Lawrence. “I have to thank Hall of Fame rider Edgar Prado, who rode him last time. He said he thought this horse would go a mile and a quarter. We stretched him out even a little further and it worked. I’m very excited.”