Napoleon Solo, a 'new shooter', won the Grade I Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park, as none of the Kentucky Derby starters placed. Only three Derby starters competed, with Ocelli and Incredibolt finishing fourth and fifth. Napoleon Solo, ridden by Paco Lopez, started well and followed pacesetter Taj Mahal. As Taj Mahal faded, Napoleon Solo took the lead and was unchallenged. Iron Honor and Chip Honcho finished second and third, respectively. Napoleon Solo completed the 1 3/16 miles in 1:58.69. After an easy win at Saratoga, Napoleon Solo won the Grade 1 Champagne Stakes. Trainer Chad Summers then brought him to the Grade II Fountain of Youth, where he finished fifth. Due to a foot injury, Summers aimed for the Kentucky Derby, but the horse finished fifth in the Grade II Wood Memorial, which dashed Derby hopes. Owner Al Gold of Gold Square Racing had to edit his reaction during the stretch run on national television.