He popped the champagne last year, and the celebration can begin anew for Napoleon Solo (Liam's Map)'s connections thanks to a sterling victory in the GI Preakness Stakes.The winner of the GI Champagne Stakes as a juvenile, the grey tried his luck in February in the GII Fountain of Youth, but faded to fifth behind a salty field of rivals. Shipping north to the site of his Grade I victory in 2025, Napoleon Solo went right to the lead in the GII Wood Memorial, but again faded to fifth.Undeterred, his connections never lost faith in his ability to play at the highest levels, and they came into this Preakness with high hopes for a return to form.And they were right.Breaking well but forced to hustle out of the gates to beat the inside scramble ahead of the turn, he was content to sit off the pace set by local favorite Taj Mahal (Nyquist) as he posted an opening quarter in :22.66 and a half-mile in :46.66. Inching closer on the bend after six panels in 1:12.08, Napoleon Solo overtook the tiring frontrunner turning for home and was set down for his best by Paco Lopez.Kicking away from the field, he was well in command in the final stages, even as Iron Honor (Nyquist) tried hard to reel him back in. The margin shrank a bit in the final yards, but not enough to make a difference as Napoleon Solo claimed his Spring Classic. Iron Honor had to settle for second while Chip Honcho (Connect) ran on from the cavalry charge to claim third.The final time was 1:58.69 and the winner carried 7-1 odds.Sales history: $40,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP, O-Gold Square; B-John D. Gunther & Eurowest Bloodstock (KY); T-Chad Summers. The 151st Preakness Stakes belongs to Napoleon Solo! pic.twitter.com/Vdsph4eDkV— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) May 16, 2026The post Napoleon Solo Returns to Grade I Form to Claim Preakness 151 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.