Meet the Contenders: 2025 Champagne Stakes

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.

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.

#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.

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.



 

Aye Eye wins at Saratoga.

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.

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.

It's Our Time wins at Saratoga. (Photo by Coglianese Photo)

#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.



 

Stickupwithoutagun wins at Saratoga.

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.

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.

#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.