Channel Maker Eyes Bowling Green Return

After two international endeavors, multiple grade 1-winning turf veteran Channel Maker , the reigning champion turf male, will make his stateside comeback in the $250,000 Bowling Green Stakes (G2T) July 31 at Saratoga Race Course, a race he won in 2018.

Trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, the 7-year-old English Channel   gelding was a game second in the Neom Turf Cup Feb. 20 at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Saudi Arabia before finishing a distant eighth to Mishriff  in the March 27 Dubai Sheema Classic Presented by Longines (G1) at Meydan Racecourse.

"He's doing great, looks great, and has traveled well," Mott said. "He's just a nice horse to have in the barn. He always shows up even if he doesn't win."

Channel Maker breezed five furlongs in 1:00.86 on Saratoga's Oklahoma Training Track July 16.

Following the Bowling Green, Mott said he would "absolutely" look at Channel Maker defending his title in the Aug. 28 $750,000 Resorts World Casino Sword Dancer Invitational (G1T) at Saratoga.

Mott added that the Aug. 6 $200,000 Troy Stakes Presented by Horse Racing Ireland (G3T) is a likely target for Casa Creed , who last out won the Jackpocket Jaipur (G1T) June 5 at Belmont Park.

The Troy, run at 5 1/2 furlongs, will be the shortest distance Casa Creed has raced in his 20-race career.

“We’re looking at the Troy,” Mott said. “We just have to see if five and a half is good for him.”