Spirit of St Louis faces Clement trio in Manhattan

A year ago, Spirit of St Louis was sitting good as the dominant figure among the New York-bred turf set. On Saturday, the six-year-old can enhance his credentials to be the leader among all older U.S. turf performers in the $1 million Manhattan (G1) at Saratoga.

The Manhattan's 1 3/16-mile distance should suit the late-closing Spirit of St Louis, who arrived on the scene late to capture both the Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1) and Turf Classic (G1) at Churchill Downs over nine furlongs earlier this year.

"He's reached a level this year that I didn't even see coming," said trainer Chad Brown, who's won the Manhattan a record eight times.

Looking for his first Manhattan is Miguel Clement, who assumed control of his family's stable after the recent death of his father, Christophe, a three-time Manhattan winner. Miguel Clement's entries include multiple Grade 1 winner Far Bridge, recent Fort Marcy (G2) victor Deterministic, and last year's Saratoga Derby (G1) winner Carson's Run, the Fort Marcy runner-up.

"If you want, he can be on the lead, and has tactical speed if you need it. He can also come from last and has a great turn of foot. That makes him very tough," said Clement of Far Bridge, who opened up his 2025 account with back-to-back wins in the Pan American (G3) and Man o' War (G2). "He's not dependent on ground or pace. He can do whatever you'd like.

"He has an affinity for Saratoga, and in terms of distance, I'm sure he would appreciate more – but he's so versatile, and he's probably good enough that he can handle a range of distances."

Multiple Grade 2 winner Integration is still in search of his first top-level score, and did not get the best of trips last out in Churchill's Turf Classic. Corruption was beaten a neck by Far Bridge in the Pan American two back in what was his stakes debut, while Endlessly should come on from his season-opening third in the one-mile American (G3) at Santa Anita.

Think Big can further cement his status as the nation's best turf sprinter in the $500,000 Jaipur (G1) over 5 1/2 furlongs, a race won impressively last year by the brilliant Cogburn. Think Big has won both of his stakes appearances this season in the Shakertown (G2) and Twin Spires Turf Sprint (G2).

Zulu Kingdom will look to make the $300,000 Pennine Ridge (G3), a 1 1/16-mile grass test for three-year-olds, his fifth career stakes win and his third in as many starts this term following wins in the Columbia S. at Tampa Bay Downs and American Turf (G1) at Churchill Downs.

Nitrogen will be yet another heavy favorite as she seeks her fifth consecutive stakes victory in the $300,000 Wonder Again (G2) for three-year-old fillies, also at 1 1/16 miles on the turf. The Mark Casse trainee has already captured the Ginger Brew S., Florida Oaks (G3), Appalachian (G2), and Edgewood (G3) this season.

Potential upsetters include Grade 2 winner and Breeders' Cup runner-up May Day Ready, multiple stakes winner Laurelin, and recent import Al Jafara, who beat Keeneland allowance foes in her U.S. debut for Chad Brown.