Expert Pick of the Week: 2026 Champagne Stakes

Oct 02, 2026 John Mucciolo/TwinSpires.com

U. S. S. Valor wins maiden race 2026 (Photo by Coglianese Photos/NYRA)

A small and talented cast of six two-year-old horses will go a one-turn mile over the Belmont Park dirt surface in Saturday’s $500,000 Champagne (G1). The important race for the juveniles will serve as a ‘Win and You’re In’ qualifier, as the first-place finisher will receive an automatic berth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) at Keeneland on Oct. 30.

The horse to beat is U. S. S. Valor for trainer Shug McGaughey. A homebred for Team Valor International, the bay commenced his career in a maiden special weight contest at Saratoga on Aug. 8 and finished a close third despite enduring a less-than-favorable voyage in the 6 1/2-furlong dash. In his second and most recent appearance on Sept. 5, the son of War of Will displayed big improvement with a race under his belt, dominating his foes by 13 widening lengths while running seven panels.

U. S. S. Valor earned a hefty 105 Brisnet Speed rating for his tally, and he was arguably the most impressive two-year-old to be unveiled at Saratoga in the summer, which is a major compliment to the colt. The February foal has posted a pair of seemingly solid morning workouts in the interim, and I expect the best version of him on Saturday as he gets another furlong with which to work with in his local debut. Manny Franco retains the ride atop the exciting prospect.

It seems to me that only two runners could challenge the expected short-priced favorite, one of which is Chad Brown’s Gaudreau. A son of top sire Nyquist, purchased for $220,000 at public auction as a yearling, the bay came out on top in his first run on Aug. 8, defeating a well-meant field including the aforementioned favorite. The Louisiana-bred colt has worked well in advance of his stakes debut and gives me the impression of a youngster who will move forward as the distances increase. He showed speed from the gate in that first appearance and figures to be close throughout this contest, with Flavien Prat staying in the silks.

I thought Club Reign looked excellent in a convincing tally at Saratoga in his first race, and he appears to have a bright future. The Whit Beckman pupil was quick early and was not slowing down late in that heat, which hints that the move to one mile will benefit him. By promising young sire Core Beliefs, the Kentucky-bred colt will have Edgard Zayas in the saddle for the second straight time and will be forwardly placed from the break on Saturday.

Expert Pick for the Champagne Stakes

An exacta with #5 U. S. S. Valor on top of #3 Gaudreau and #4 Club Reign in the 2026 Champagne Stakes is the Best Bet of the Week.