🔥 SHOCK BEFORE START: Coach Clement claims his Tawny Port will help Flavien Prat beat Far Bridge and Tucson easily in the top race at Saratoga – Flavien Prat speaks out with a confusing message to notorious jockey Luis Saez, causing a stir in the horse racing world before the race!
As the prestigious Bowling Green Stakes at Saratoga draws closer, a shocking wave of controversy has electrified the racing world, turning what was expected to be a standard Grade II turf battle into a headline-grabbing showdown. The firestorm began when Miguel Clement, son of the late legendary trainer Christophe Clement and now head of Clement Stable, gave a bold statement to reporters just before morning workouts. With supreme confidence, he claimed that their entry, Tawny Port, would “comfortably handle Far Bridge and Tucson,” two highly rated competitors ridden by elite jockeys Joel Rosario and Luis Saez, respectively.
“Tawny Port is peaking at the right time. We’re not worried about Far Bridge, and definitely not about Tucson. With Flavien Prat in the saddle, we’re not here to compete—we’re here to win,” Clement told reporters with an edge that immediately lit social media on fire. Fans and pundits alike began debating whether this was pre-race bravado or genuine belief in the horse’s form.
But things truly escalated when Flavien Prat himself, normally composed and diplomatic, added fuel to the fire during a press pit interview. When asked about the pressure of facing major names like Rosario and Saez, Prat smirked and delivered an unexpected and puzzling statement: “There’s racing, and then there’s riding. Some people confuse the two.” Though he never named names directly, the crowd of journalists immediately sensed a veiled swipe at Luis Saez, whose aggressive, rail-hugging riding style has been the subject of praise, criticism, and even controversy over the years.
The racing community, already buzzing with anticipation for Saturday’s event, erupted. Many interpreted Prat’s words as a shot across the saddle—targeting not just Saez’s technique, but perhaps even his reputation. The rivalry between top jockeys in America is nothing new, but rarely do those tensions surface so publicly, and so close to the starting gate.
Luis Saez, known for letting his riding do the talking, has not responded directly. However, sources within his camp confirmed that he found Prat’s comments “disrespectful and unnecessary.” One insider stated, “Luis doesn’t play games off the track. If they want to talk, he’ll answer with a win. Just watch Tucson on Saturday.”
Meanwhile, Joel Rosario, riding Far Bridge—a former Grade I winner—has remained silent and focused, though some believe his calm presence could be the ultimate dark horse in a battle now dominated by noise and ego. Trainers from other barns have privately expressed concern that the sudden pre-race tension could affect race-day dynamics, with so much media attention being drawn toward Clement’s confidence and Prat’s pointed remarks.
On racing forums and Facebook groups, fans are wildly speculating on whether Prat’s outburst was part of a psychological tactic or a sign of growing pressure inside the Clement camp. Has Tawny Port truly shown enough form to justify such bold claims? Or are they banking more on mind games than muscle? Either way, the heat has been turned up.
What was once just another Grade II turf event is now being billed as a turf war of pride, ego, and redemption. With Miguel Clement trying to honor his father’s legacy, Flavien Prat seemingly entering trash-talk territory, and Luis Saez tightening his grip on redemption since his return from injury—Saratoga is bracing for one of the most emotionally charged races in years.
All eyes are now set on Saturday. Not just for the speed or the finish line—but for the fireworks that are bound to ignite before a single hoof hits the grass.
