Coach Chad Summers indicated that Gold Square’s unvanquished Champagne Stakes champion, Napoleon Solo, is slated to compete in the Coolmore Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park on February 28, marking his initial race as a three-year-old.
“This serves as a foundational step. I understand that many might not appreciate hearing it, but one must commence somewhere. Our progression will stem from this point. He is scheduled for his concluding workout prior to the event [February 20], which will allow us to ascertain his physical condition,” commented Summers.
“We are prepared to launch his campaign as a three-year-old. This holds paramount importance. It aligns with our strategy. I’m pleased with how things are developing, and we anticipate seeing if he can ascend in the rankings.”
Summers mentioned the possibility of also registering the offspring of Liam’s Map in the Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack on February 28, contingent on the 1 1/16-mile Fountain of Youth drawing a significant number of participants and Napoleon Solo being assigned an extreme outside position during the February 21 post draw.
“One certainly wishes to avoid starting alongside the Pegasus statue in the parking area,” Summers remarked. “Prudence is key.”
Both the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth and the single-turn mile Gotham provide 50-25-15-10-5 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve eligibility points. A victory in either competition would likely secure a place among the contenders for the initial prestigious event of the Triple Crown.
Napoleon Solo, having triumphed in both of his professional outings, has accumulated 10 points by virtue of his Champagne triumph.
