Minaret Station, making his first start since taking the Bourbon S. (G2) last October at Keeneland, turned in a stellar performance to win the $250,000 American Derby June 28 at Churchill Downs.

The 3-year-old son of Instilled Regard now has three wins in a row, all on the turf, at three different tracks.

At the break of Saturday’s 1 1/16-mile contest, Freedom’s Not Free got an easy lead and set a very moderate half-mile of :50.74, with Minaret Station tracking just behind the pacesetter in third. After six furlongs in a slow 1:14.75, Minaret Station swung three-wide into the stretch to launch his bid. Still in third with a furlong to go, Minaret Station found another gear and surged to the lead, winning by a half-length in 1:44.29 on firm turf.

“He has such a big turn of foot and that’s been his key to success,” trainer Will 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.”

The owner Walden referred to is OXO Equine LLC, who is also the colt’s breeder. Minaret Station is now 3-0-1 in four starts and has earned $377,968.