Leading Change became the 16th Grade 1 winner for Gun Runner Aug. 29 at Saratoga with his dramatic victory over Napoleon Solo and Golden Tempo in the $1.25 million Travers S. (G1).
The most lightly-raced colt in the field of 3-year-olds, Leading Change had made just two starts before Saturday, but both were wins: a maiden debut on June 7 and a game victory in the Indiana Derby (G3) on July 11.
Preakness S. (G1) winner Napoleon Solo was the early pacesetter, with Leading Change tracking closely in third behind Sea Strike. After six furlongs in 1:12.62, Leading Change was still third, just a length from the lead. Going around the final bend, Leading Change hugged the rail then swung off the fence turning for home. Napoleon Solo was tenacious on the lead, but could not withstand the late charge of Leading Change, who won by a neck in 2:02.98, with Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont S. (G1) winner Golden Tempo in third.
“We’ve always thought he was a big-time talent,” said Leading Change’s trainer Brad Cox. “He showed it before today in his first two starts and he was able to get it done today. I said coming into it that he’s light on seasoning, but we were hoping he could make up for it with talent, and he was able to do it.”
The winner is owned by Wathnan Racing and was bred in Kentucky by WinStar Farm LLC. Leading Change has earned $934,196 in his three wins. An $800,000 Keeneland September yearling colt, Leading Change is a half-brother to Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner Shedaresthedevil.
