Kentucky Derby works: Napoleon Solo leads 3 hopefuls

Napoleon Solo, winner of the Grade 1 Champagne in his most recent start, worked Wednesday morning at Palm Meadows.

The Liam's Map colt breezed four furlongs in 49.0 seconds, fourth fastest of 11 at the distance. He returned to the tab Jan. 14, and Wednesday's work was his third since the Champagne

In his only start besides his 6 1/2-length victory in the Oct. 4 Champagne, Napoleon Solo won his debut in a 5 1/4-length win at Saratoga in August.

In this week's Barn Tour feature, Summers said the colt might make his 2026 debut in Gotham (G3), Fountain of Youth (G2) or Tampa Bay Derby (G3).

Napoleon Solo was one of three horses in Las Vegas futures for Kentucky Derby 2026 who worked Wednesday.

Civil Liberty (Independence Hall) worked five furlongs in 1:03.0 at Santa Anita on Wednesday morning. It was the sixth fastest of seven works at the distance. His previous work was 10 days ago going four furlongs at Santa Anita. In his last start he placed fourth in the American Pharoah (G1) going 1 1/16 miles on the main track at Santa Anita on Oct. 4 for trainer Doug O'Neill.

Napoleon Solo (Liam's Map), a Grade 1 winner (2025 Champagne), worked four furlongs in 49.0 seconds at Palm Meadows on Wednesday morning. It was the fourth fastest of 11 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going three furlongs at Palm Meadows. In his last start he won the Champagne (G1) going one mile on the main track at Belmont at the Big A on Oct. 4 for trainer Chad Summers.

Oscar's Hope (Twirling Candy) worked four furlongs in 49.4 seconds at Fair Grounds on Wednesday morning. It was the 19th fastest of 27 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Fair Grounds. In his last start he placed eighth in the Smarty Jones going 1 1/16 miles on the main track at Oaklawn on Jan. 3 for trainer Tom Amoss.