Get ready for a thrilling start to the racing season! Napoleon Solo, the undefeated champion, is set to make his highly anticipated 3-year-old debut in the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park on February 28. This move, announced by trainer Chad Summers, marks a significant step in the colt’s journey toward bigger stakes. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Summers isn’t just eyeing one race. If the Fountain of Youth draws a massive field or if Napoleon Solo ends up with an unfavorable post position, Summers might pivot to the Gotham Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct Racetrack on the same day. And this is the part most people miss—strategic race selection can make or break a horse’s path to the Kentucky Derby (G1).
Summers, ever the pragmatist, explains, ‘It’s a building block. You have to start somewhere, even if it’s not the flashiest race. We’ll assess his final breeze on February 20 and go from there. The goal is to kick off his 3-year-old season on a strong note.’ With 10 Kentucky Derby qualifying points already under his belt from his Champagne Stakes (G1) victory, Napoleon Solo is poised to climb the rankings. Both the Fountain of Youth and the Gotham offer 50-25-15-10-5 qualifying points, meaning a win in either could secure his spot in the Triple Crown’s opening jewel.
But here’s the controversial part: Is Summers playing it too safe by considering the Gotham as a backup? Or is this a masterstroke of strategy? After all, as Summers quips, ‘You don’t want to line up next to Pegasus in the parking lot—you want to be smart.’*
Napoleon Solo, a son of Liam’s Map, has proven his mettle with two flawless career starts. Now, the question remains: Can he dominate the competition and solidify his status as a Derby contender? What do you think—is Summers making the right call, or should Napoleon Solo stick to the Fountain of Youth no matter what? Let us know in the comments!
