Scat Daddy proved he could stretch out in distance and ran down favored Nobiz Like Shobiz to win the Grade 1, $400,000 Champagne Stakes by three-quarters of a length at Belmont Park. The CHAMPAGNE, the oldest stakes for 2 year olds in the country, derives its name from the English event, which is run at the Doncaster course. The CHAMPAGNE has often been a factor in the two year old championship.
Recent winners Foolish Pleasure (1974), Honest Pleasure (1975), Seattle Slew (1976), Spectacular Bid (1978), Lord Avie (1980), Devil's Bag (1983), Forty Niner (1987), and Easy Goer (1988) have been voted champion two-year-old. Braulio Baeza has won the CHAMPAGNE five times to lead all riders. He captured the race four straight years from 1964 to 1967, and also in 1975. Calumet Farm has won the CHAMPAGNE five times, more than any other owner. Their most recent victory came in 1977, with Alydar. The CHAMPAGNE was run at Jerome Park prior to l890; at Morris Park prior to 1905; at Aqueduct in 1959, from 1963 to 1967, and in 1984. Not run from 1910 to 1913, nor in 1956. Distance of six furlongs from 1871 to 1889; seven furlongs from 1891 to 1904; Widener Course (165 feet less than seven furlongs) from 1905 to 1932; six and one half furlongs (Widener Course) from 1933 to 1939; a mile from 1940 to 1983, and from 1985 to 1993; a mile and an eighth in 1984. In 1970, Hoist The Flag finished first, but was disqualified and placed last. In 1972, Secretariat finished first, but was disqualified and placed second. Run in two divisions in 1973.
