Minaret Station surges late to win the American Derby (Jenny Doyle/Past The Wire)
Churchill Downs Press Release
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Minaret Station returned from a 265-day layoff and surged late to defeat Native Runner and pacesetter Freedom’s Not Free in Saturday’s 110th running of the $249,000 American Derby (Listed) at Churchill Downs.
Minaret Station, who hadn’t run since winning the $250,000 Bourbon (Grade II) at Keeneland last fall, ran 1 1/16 miles over firm turf in an unhurried 1:44.29. Cristian Torres rode the winner for trainer Will Walden and owner/breeder Larry Best’s OXO Equine LLC.
Freedom’s Not Free led the field of six 3-year-olds through what track announcer Travis Stone described as “pokey” splits of :25.71, :50.74 and 1:14.75 with Minaret Station tracking in third. It looked as if Freedom’s Not Free might steal the race on the front end but Minaret Station, along with runner-up Native Runner, surged in the final yards with Minaret Station on top.
Minaret Station with a quick turn off foot in the American Derby at @ChurchillDowns! @wwaldenracing trains and @cristiantorr64 was in the irons.
— TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) June 28, 2025
TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/LxzDZ81B0c
“All the credit goes to Will and everyone at the barn – from the exercise riders to his groom and hotwalker,” Torres said. “In the early part of the race he wasn’t traveling all that well but down the backside but he was able to get back in the bit. There wasn’t a lot of pace up front but I was confident turning for home he’d come with his late kick.”
The victory was worth $154,000 and increased Minaret Station’s earnings to $377,968 with a record of 3-0-1 in four starts.
“He has such a big turn of foot and that’s been his key to success,” Walden said. “I’m very thankful the owner allowed us to take our time with getting him back to the races. He definitely rewarded us today.”
Minaret Station, a Kentucky-bred son of Instilled Regard out of the Sir Prancealot (IRE) mare Beau Recall (IRE), paid $7.44, $4.38 and $2.98 as the 5-2 third betting choice. Native Runner, with Brian Hernandez Jr. aboard at 7-1, paid $6.04 and $3.16. Freedom’s Not Free, ridden by Antonio Fresu, was another half-length back in third and returned $2.74.
Siesta Key was fourth and 7-5 favorite Tiztastic, compromised by the slow pace, was last. Anegada, Flying Mohawk, Giocoso and Soleil Volant were scratched.
