2023 Champagne Stakes at a Glance

October 6th, 2023 by Bob Ehalt

Aqueduct, Champagne Stakes, Breeders’ Cup Juvenile

Fans keep an eye on the horse racing action at Aqueduct, which this weekend hosts a huge card that features the $500,000 Champagne Stakes for 2-year-olds. (Penelope P. Miller/America's Best Racing)

As much as many promising 2-year-olds are showcased at Saratoga Race Course, it’s the Champagne Stakes that separates fact from fiction. Horses that dazzle in maiden races get tested for class in the one-mile Champagne and, in the case of Saturday’s renewal at the Belmont at the Big A (Aqueduct) meet, the winner will get a free spot in the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Nov. 3 at Santa Anita Park.

Racetrack: Aqueduct Racetrack, New York

Date: Oct. 7

Purse: $500,000

Distance: 1 mile

Race: 8

Post Time: 3:46 p.m. ET

Notable winners: Jackie’s Warrior (2020), Tiz the Law (2019), Shanghai Bobby (2012), Union Rags (2011), Uncle Mo (2010), War Pass (2007), Scat Daddy (2006), Birdstone (2003), Timber Country (1994), Dehere (1993), Sea Hero (1992), Fly So Free (1990), Easy Goer (1988), Forty Niner (1987), Devil’s Bag (1983), Spectacular Bid (1978), Alydar (1977), Seattle Slew (1976), Foolish Pleasure (1974), Riva Ridge (1971), Buckpasser (1965), Count Fleet (1942), Sarazen (1923), Colin (1907), and Ben Brush (1895).

First held: 1867

1. Air Cav (15-1 morning-line odds): Comes from a top barn and won his debut, but that was at Horseshoe Indianapolis in slow time. Trainer Brad Cox must have confidence in him or he wouldn’t be here, but others are far more intriguing in this field.

JOCKEY: Dylan Davis; TRAINER: Brad Cox

2. Dancing Groom (20-1): Took a big step forward when winning his second start. But that was in a race moved off the turf. It adds up to a big class jump that does not bode well for his chances.

JOCKEY: Trevor McCarthy; TRAINER: Antonio Sano

3. Timberlake (3-1): Was second in the Hopeful but the time was on the slow side and a longshot won the race. Dangerous on his best effort but he may be overbet. He’s also cross-entered in the Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland.

JOCKEY: Florent Geroux; TRAINER: Brad Cox

4. General Partner (7-2): Took a big step forward in his second start and seems poised for another solid effort. Should thrive at the distance and be a main contender.

JOCKEY: Manny Franco; TRAINER: Chad Brown

5. El Grande O (8-1): Has excelled in New York-bred stakes and has never been worse than third in six career starts. But he faces a much tougher test in jumping into a Grade 1 race at a one-turn mile. On the plus side, he has sharp early speed and a jockey who knows how to get the most out of speedsters. He could easily figure in the exotics.

JOCKEY: Kendrick Carmouche; TRAINER: Linda Rice

Fierceness, Saratoga Race Course, Joe Labozzetta, NYRA photo

Fierceness (Joe Labozzetta/NYRA photo)

6. Fierceness (6-5): Definitely the one to beat off an 11 1/4-length victory in his debut for Todd Pletcher, a six-time winner of this stakes. That win came in the mud and the forecast calls for rain on Saturday in New York. Everything seems to be pointing in his direction.

JOCKEY: Irad Ortiz Jr.; TRAINER: Todd Pletcher

7. Gold Sweep (8-1): Romped in the Tremont Stakes at Belmont Park then had rough trips in his last two starts, including most recently in the Grade 1 Hopeful Stakes. Due for better racing luck here and that could make him a key contender in this field.

JOCKEY: Jose Lezcano; TRAINER: Steve Asmussen

8. Sweet Soddy J (50-1): He’s undefeated in two starts on dirt, but the last win was at Timonium with a weak speed figure. Looks overmatched in this field.

JOCKEY: Jose Gomez; TRAINER: Raymond Ginter Jr.

THE PICK: Fierceness

LIVE LONGSHOT: Gold Sweep

SUPERFECTA: 6-4-7-5