Cross Border tries to end losing streak over favorite track in Bowling Green

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Cross Border, who is 5 for 6 over Saratoga’s turf course, will be back on his favorite surface for Saturday’s Grade 2, $250,000 Bowling Green Stakes.

Cross Border actually finished second in last year’s Bowling Green, but was elevated to first after the stewards ruled Sadler’s Joy had caused interference in the stretch. Cross Border’s Saratoga win streak came to an end in last year’s Sword Dancer when he finished second to Channel Maker, who is back in this field.

Trainer Mike Maker noted that Cross Border’s first four wins here came against inferior company. Three of his wins here have come in New York-bred company. A fourth win came in a starter allowance.

Cross Border is winless in his last eight starts, which includes a third to Colonel Liam in the Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational.

“He’s been running in tough races, run well, just hasn’t got there,” Maker said.

Maker noted that the 1 1/8-mile Grade 1 Turf Classic at Churchill Downs where Cross Broder was beaten two lengths, was “too short for him.”

Luis Saez will ride Cross Border.

Also entered in the Bowling Green are Channel Maker, the reigning male turf champion who dead-heated for win in the 2019 Bowling Green, Channel Cat, Moon Over Miami, Breakpoint, Rockemperor, and Shamrocket.