Owner Al Gold’s 2-year-old colt Napoleon Solo delivered an impressive front-running victory in the Grade 1 Champagne Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack, winning by 6 1/2 lengths as the 2-5 favorite. Though Gold was in Kentucky watching another horse, Howard Wolowitz, race at Keeneland, he enthusiastically cheered for Napoleon Solo on TV, celebrating the colt’s dominant performance. Trained by Chad Summers and ridden by Joel Rosario, Napoleon Solo set a blistering pace and maintained a commanding lead throughout, showcasing his potential as a top juvenile contender. The son of Liam’s Map was purchased for $40,000 at the 2024 Keeneland September Sale and previously won his maiden race at Saratoga.

While the Champagne Stakes victory positions Napoleon Solo as a strong candidate for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, trainer Summers expressed caution about committing to the trip to California, emphasizing the importance of the horse’s well-being and recovery. The race also served as a qualifier for the 2026 Kentucky Derby, awarding points to the top five finishers. Other notable runners included Talkin, who finished second and is more likely to target the Remsen Stakes, and It’s Our Time, the early favorite who faded to fourth. The Champagne Stakes win highlights Napoleon Solo’s promising future in the juvenile division and potential stallion prospects.