Underdog Leading Change Topples Triple Crown Hopeful Golden Tempo at Travers

Golden Tempo, the champion of the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, arrived at Saratoga’s Travers Stakes with hopes of securing a three-year-old Triple Crown, but the 10-1 longshot Leading Change, trained by Brad Cox, produced a stunning stretch run to claim the $1.25 million purse. After breaking well and stalking the pace, Leading Change surged past the early leader Napoleon Solo as Manny Franco steered him to the outside for a clear run.

The colt edged out Napoleon Solo by half a length, leaving Golden Tempo to finish third after a late rally. The win adds to Saratoga’s reputation as the “Graveyard of Champions,” where even legends like Secretariat and American Pharoah have been defeated. Leading Change, a son of Gun Runner, improves to three wins from three starts and has earned $934,196, having been purchased for $800,000 at the Keeneland September sale. Trainer Brad Cox praised the colt’s work ethic and class, noting the depth of his stable allowed the decision to run the lightly-raced horse in the Grade 1 event.