G1-winner Napoleon Solo works for February 28 Kentucky Derby prep
At 0h02, on February 17, 2026 • By Aqueduct
Grade 1 Champagne-winner Napoleon Solo worked at Palm Meadows on Friday in preparation for a 50-25-15-10-5 Kentucky Derby qualifier on February 28 – the question is, will the Liam’s Map gray stay in Florida for the 1 1/16-mile Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream Park or ship back to New York for the one-turn mile Gotham, at Aqueduct Racetrack.
Trained by Chad Summers for owner Al Gold’s Gold Square, Napoleon Solo worked five-eighths in company in 1:01.45 to the outside of trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr.’s Ruleroftheuniverse [1:02.15].
“I couldn’t be happier with how he’s coming along,” Summers said. “When we decided not to go to the Breeders’ Cup and put this plan together, you need everything to go perfect – so far, everything is on track. He’s scheduled to run on February 28, and he’ll make one more start after that.
“Both the Gotham and Fountain of Youth are on the radar,” Summers added. “We’ll keep an eye on the weather in New York. The Gotham makes sense as he’s had success over the track, it’s a one-turn mile and possibly easier competition off the freshening, but it’s also a 26-hour van ride.”
The $40,000 Keeneland September Yearling Sale purchase graduated on debut in August at Saratoga Race Course in a six-furlong maiden auction event that earned an 85 Beyer Speed Figure. He returned with a powerful frontrunning performance in the Grade 1 Champagne in October here, drawing away to a 6 1/2-length score over Talkin to earn a 95 Beyer and 10 Kentucky Derby points in the one-turn mile.
