Meet the Contenders: 2025 Champagne Stakes
It's Our Time was a sensational debut winner at Saratoga (Photo by Coglianese Photos)
October 1st, 2025
Meet the horses running in the 2025 Champagne S. (G1) at Aqueduct. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential. The star rating of 1 to 5 represents the opportunity to perform well. Be sure to follow these contenders by adding them to your stable alerts.
Curtain Call wins at Saratoga. (Photo by Coglianese Photo / Credit to Chelsea Durand)
#1 Curtain Call ****
Pro: Just missed second behind runaway Hopeful (G1) winner.
Con: Skipped over slop two back but was well beaten in two tries over a fast track.
#4 Talkin edges out #1 Stardale at Saratoga. (Photo by Coglianese Photo)
#2 Stradale **
Pro: Took a notable step forward second out; just missed.
Con: Still a maiden and steps up in distance after losing over seven furlongs.
Universe wins at Saratoga. (Photo by Coglianese Photo)
#3 Universe *
Pro: Convincing maiden win at Saratoga as a longshot; has upside.
Con: The colt's debut was relatively slow; he needs to quicken.
Universe pulls away to win on debut at 17/1 in R8 at Saratoga! @kennymcpeek trains and Christopher Elliot was in the irons. 💰 pic.twitter.com/SV4SJlJvoZ
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) August 30, 2025
Aye Eye wins at Saratoga. (Photo by Coglianese Photo / Credit to Suisie Raisher)
#4 Aye Eye *
Pro: Made a tremendous rally to win first out; less impressive in Hopeful.
Con: Tends to break slowly; might prefer two turns.
Just ASAP wins at Ellis Park. (Photo by Coady Media)
#5 Just Asap ***
Pro: Lost a prolonged stretch duel in Sapling S.; fast enough to garner a share here.
Con: Remains to be seen how he’ll handle a stalking trip; slow final work for this.
It's Our Time wins at Saratoga. (Photo by Coglianese Photos)
#6 It’s Our Time *****
Pro: Eye-catching debut win at Saratoga; the horse to beat if he can replicate it.
Con: The price shortens a lot this time and gets a stronger test to boot.
It's Our Time puts on a stellar performance on debut in R7 at Saratoga! 🤩🌟@tomamossracing trains and @luissaezpty was aboard.
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) August 16, 2025
A nice 5/1 top pick winner for @atthetrack7, too! 💰 pic.twitter.com/hJHzmfFfQX
Stickupwithoutagun wins at Saratoga. (Photo by Coglianese Photo)
#7 Stickupwithoutagun *
Pro: Moved up a lot switching to dirt; barn is having a strong meet thus far.
Con: Takes a severe class hike exiting NY-bred company.
Napoleon Solo wins at Saratoga. (Photo by Coady Media / Credit to Susie Raisher)
#8 Napoleon Solo ***
Pro: Sharp and fast maiden win at the Spa; deserving of trying better.
Con: Won an auction maiden, which is not as difficult a test.
#4 Talkin edges out #1 Stardale at Saratoga. (Photo by Coglianese Photo)
#9 Talkin ****
Pro: Wore down Stradale to score at first asking; should appreciate extra furlong.
Con: Might not see as fast a pace; outside draw is a potential concern.
🗣️🗨️ Talkin gets up to win R6 at Saratoga at 9/1 for trainer Danny Gargan with @kendrickcarmou1 in the irons! pic.twitter.com/7Q89piPMxe
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) August 30, 2025
