Gold Square’s star colt Napoleon Solo is moving with authority toward his seasonal comeback, with the unbeaten Grade 1 winner likely to reappear in the prestigious Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream Park later this month.
The exciting son of Liam’s Map continues to please connections during his South Florida preparation, suggesting he remains firmly on track for his three-year-old debut following a standout juvenile campaign.
Preparing at Palm Meadows, Gulfstream’s satellite training base, Napoleon Solo delivered an eye-catching move over four furlongs, stopping the clock in 48 seconds. The exercise marked his fourth breeze in Florida since mid-January and his first alongside company, where he comfortably outpaced well-regarded stablemate No Rain No Flowers, who completed the same trip in 49.10 seconds. Trainer Chad Summers reported that the colt maintained his momentum impressively through the gallop-out, clocking 1:04 and 1:14 respectively, reinforcing confidence within the camp.
Summers expressed satisfaction with the colt’s progress, noting that preparations remain precisely on schedule as the team works closely with owner Gold Square to determine the best early-season target.
Napoleon Solo has not been seen in competitive action since his commanding victory in the Champagne Stakes at Aqueduct last October. That performance, achieved by an emphatic margin of six and a half lengths over a one-turn mile, followed an equally dominant debut success at Saratoga, where he surged clear by five and a half lengths over six furlongs.
The young colt’s training base in Florida has allowed him to maintain uninterrupted preparation during challenging winter weather across much of the eastern United States. Summers explained that the team has followed a structured development plan, aiming to complete six timed workouts before the colt’s seasonal return, a strategy inspired by the preparation used for champion Sovereignty last season.
Sovereignty began his own three-year-old campaign by capturing the Fountain of Youth before narrowly missing in the Florida Derby, then enjoyed a spectacular campaign that included victories in the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes and Travers Stakes, ultimately securing championship honours.
Napoleon Solo has steadily built fitness through a series of controlled works, including two sharp three-furlong breezes in mid-January followed by a half-mile move later in the month. While the Fountain of Youth remains a leading option, connections are also weighing the merits of a possible start in the Gotham Stakes on the same day, offering an alternative route to begin his sophomore season.
Summers emphasised that the final decision will be made in consultation with the ownership group, noting the differences between the race distances and configurations as factors under careful consideration.
Napoleon Solo’s name has already appeared among nominees for the upcoming Triple Crown series, one of three entries for Gold Square. Stablemates include stakes performer Two Out Hero and Toga Twist, both of whom add further depth to the owner’s growing presence among top-level contenders. Gold Square previously enjoyed elite success with Cyberknife, winner of the Arkansas Derby and Haskell Stakes, who also competed on the sport’s grandest stage during his career.
Veteran Xy Speed Seeks Landmark Victory
Saturday’s card at Gulfstream also features evergreen performer Xy Speed, who bids for his first win as a 10-year-old when lining up in a five-furlong turf allowance contest.
Representing Clear Stars Stable, the seasoned gelding has remained remarkably consistent across a lengthy career. Drawn wide in a nine-runner field, the son of First Samurai will attempt to record his 17th career victory in his 50th start. Trainer Michael Lerman praised the horse’s continued enthusiasm and physical condition, describing him as a rare example of longevity in modern racing.
Xy Speed produced a strong runner-up effort in his most recent outing, closing late after racing between rivals and finishing just over two lengths behind the winner despite conceding weight. Several horses from that contest are set to meet him again, setting up a familiar and competitive renewal.
The veteran boasts an impressive record at Gulfstream, where he has enjoyed considerable success on the turf, including his most recent victory over Saturday’s course and distance last summer. Lerman noted that careful management and selective placement have helped maintain the horse’s durability and competitive spirit.
Royal Delta Attracts Strong Early Interest
Attention is also building toward the Royal Delta Stakes, scheduled for mid-February, with defending champion Dazzling Move among the notable nominees.
Dazzling Move secured last year’s renewal with a determined display before continuing her consistent form in several major events throughout the season. She arrives after a recent fifth-place finish but remains a respected contender among older fillies and mares.
Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. has assembled a strong potential team, including stakes winners Luvumorgan and Claret Beret alongside improving performers Eunomia and U Lite Up My Life, both of whom bring solid recent form into consideration.
Among other prominent names entered is Alpine Princess, trained by Brad Cox, who returns after a decisive graded-stakes victory late last season. The accomplished mare has been remarkably reliable, finishing among the leading trio in the vast majority of her starts.
Nothing Like You, now under the guidance of Brendan Walsh, adds further intrigue after compiling an impressive record highlighted by several graded-stakes triumphs earlier in her career. Meanwhile, Drexel Hill arrives following a confidence-boosting seasonal victory, while Dry Powder continues to build her reputation after competing against elite opposition throughout her developing career.
As Gulfstream Park’s winter programme gathers momentum, both emerging stars and seasoned campaigners are providing compelling storylines, with Napoleon Solo firmly positioned among the most exciting prospects to watch in the weeks ahead.
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