Champagne Stakes 2021 Results: Brown's Jack Christopher triumphant

The Champagne S. (G1), one of New York's "signature" races, that is steeped in a wonderful history, was run at 1 mile down the sandy stretch at Belmont Park on Saturday. It was Todd Pletcher's Wit #1 at odds of 2/1 and My Prankster #2 at 7/2, who took on among others, Chad Brown's Jack Christopher #3 going off at 8/5 and Steve Asmussen's Gunite #5 at 3/1. All vied for favoritism on the tote board, but it was Brown's colt who secured the honor. However, the connections were not done at this point, since in the end it was Jose Ortiz aboard Jack Christopher #3, who blazed ahead down the lane for the win. The road travelled will not only lead to the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1), which he secured by way of the sobriquet "Win and You're In," but the victory also hands his connections 10 total 2022 Kentucky Derby Points.

As for the race itself, at the break, it was Asmussen's Gunite #5 with Ricardo Santana in the irons who led for half of the race. After cruising along for a piece, he was joined on that wide turn at Belmont by Jack Christopher #3 Ortiz glided along in the saddle, and the pair quickly powered through into the 2-path, and by the beginning of the stretch, they had the lead in-hand. As Gunite #5 dropped back, it was both Command Performance #6 (12/1), Wit #1, and My Prankster #3, who ended up giving chase (securing Derby Points for themselves). Any attempt to catch Brown's colt was futile, as he turned in a beautiful ride. By Munnings, the colt is owned by the consortium of Jim Bakke, Gerald Isbister, Coolmore Stud, and Peter Brant. Much to look forward to from this lightly-raced runner, as we hope to see him at Del Mar for the Breeders' Cup and beyond.