Flavien Prat edges nail-biter as Ole Crazy Bone wins Bowling Green Stakes

French star Flavien Prat steered Ole Crazy Bone to a razor-thin victory in the $250,000 Bowling Green Stakes (G2T) at Saratoga Race Course on July 11. The 7-5 favorite prevailed by a scant nose over foreign shipper Fort George in a race decided by inches in the final furlong.

The victory marked Prat’s fourth win of the day at Saratoga, capping a strong afternoon for the five-time Eclipse Award-winning jockey. Ole Crazy Bone covered the 1 3/8-mile turf distance in 2:14.18, holding off Fort George’s late rally after a half-mile in :49.54 and six furlongs in 1:15.22.

Ole Crazy Bone, trained by Mike Maker, had returned from knee-chip setbacks to finish second in a Churchill Downs allowance optional claimer on May 21. But on July 11, he rebounded emphatically at Saratoga. Jockey Flavien Prat kept the gelded son of Ghostzapper in check through the early fractions, then let him respond when Fort George mounted a late charge.

Prat’s measured ride preserved the lead in the final strides. Fort George, ridden by Kieran Shoemark, drew level turning for home but could not sustain the momentum. Ole Crazy Bone held on under pressure, with the margin officially a nose in the final bob.

For Flavien Prat, the victory reinforced his reputation as one of the sport’s most precise closers. After four wins on the card, he added a Grade 2 turf stakes to his resume, showcasing his ability to navigate tactical battles over staying trips.

Prat’s post-race comment understated the drama: “My horse was there for me.” The win was his latest in a Saratoga meet where he has consistently delivered under pressure, often in races decided by slim margins.

Trainer Mike Maker hinted at a return to Kentucky Downs for Ole Crazy Bone, targeting back-to-back wins in the $2,496,667 Kentucky Turf Cup Invitational Stakes (G2T). The gelding has already banked $1,446,300 this year after winning the Turf Cup in 2025.

Owner Jayson “Jay” Provenzano, racing as Flying P Stable, called the victory emotional, dedicating it to his late mother. “I know she was watching and got us to the wire,” he said, choking up in the winner’s circle with the family’s service dog Clyde.

Fort George finished second, a half-length clear of OXO Equine’s Minaret Station. The son of Territories was bred by Adena Springs out of Smart Strike mare Southern Gem.

Prat’s Saratoga Saturday ended with four wins, a strong statement ahead of the meet’s next card.