In a surprising outcome at the 2026 Travers Stakes in Saratoga, Brad Cox’s lightly raced colt Leading Change triumphed over Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes champion Golden Tempo, preventing the latter from sweeping the three major races for three-year-olds. Leading Change, who went off at 10-1 odds, powered through the stretch to win the $1.25 million race by half a length, with Preakness winner Napoleon Solo finishing second and Golden Tempo settling for third after a troubled trip. This victory dramatically shifts the landscape of the 2026 three-year-old Thoroughbred division.

Saratoga’s Travers Stakes has long been known as the “Graveyard of Champions,” a place where several top contenders have met unexpected defeats. Golden Tempo, the favorite, aimed to cement his dominance in the division with a Travers win following his successes in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont. However, Leading Change, a son of Gun Runner, demonstrated resilience and tactical prowess under jockey Manny Franco, rallying from a stalking position and saving ground on the rail before surging past the leaders in the final furlong.

Brad Cox’s strategic decision to run Leading Change, despite the colt’s modest two-race resume prior to the Travers, highlights the trainer’s depth and keen judgment. While other Cox trainees like Florida Derby winner Commandment and Blue Grass Stakes runner Further Ado were off form, Leading Change emerged as the barn’s top competitor, showcasing Cox’s skill in managing talent and timing peak performances. The colt now holds an undefeated record in three starts and career earnings of $934,196, proving to be a high-caliber asset for Wathnan Racing.

Purchased for $800,000 as a yearling at the Keeneland September sale, Leading Change had not yet fully entered the spotlight before his Travers win. Brad Cox described him as a “classy” and “honest” racehorse with notable training workouts that inspired confidence in his potential. This victory not only disrupts Golden Tempo’s Triple Crown hopes but also establishes Leading Change as a major player in the division, reinforcing Cox’s reputation as one of Thoroughbred racing’s premier trainers capable of pulling off big wins on the sport’s largest stages.