It’s Our Time aims for the big step up in the Champagne Stakes at Belmont, The Big A.

Following a 17¾-length debut victory at Saratoga, the Tom Amoss-trained colt will aim this Saturday in his bid for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) and to add points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby

It’s Our Time stunned everyone with his debut victory at Saratoga / ADAM COGLIANESE / NYRA

SOUTH OZONE PARK, New York (Special for Turf Diario).- The spectacular debut of It’s Our Time is still remembered at Saratoga. On August 16, the Not This Time colt recovered from a stumble at the start, tracked the favorite Hero Declared (Maclean’s Music), and when he accelerated, the race was over: by the time he hit the stretch, he held a 10-length advantage and ultimately crossed the wire 17¾ lengths clear in 1:15.63 for six furlongs. Such a commanding performance vaulted him straight into the Champagne Stakes (G1) this Saturday at Belmont, The Big A.

The assignment will be a true test. The one-turn mile carries a Win and You’re In berth to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) at Del Mar on October 31, in addition to points (10-5-3-2-1) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs next year. With Luis Sáez back in the irons, the Double Down Horse Racing runner will break from post six.

“Saratoga was impressive, but now he has to prove himself against tested rivals. Everyone will be watching him,” said trainer Tom Amoss, who has been carefully preparing the colt to gradually stretch out in distance. “The time was exceptional, and he finished full of energy. We think this one-turn mile is the ideal step before trying two turns,” he added.

The opposition shapes up as formidable. Napoleon Solo (Liam’s Map), trained by Chad Summers, debuted at the Spa on August 8 with a five-and-a-quarter-length win in 1:11.14 and has continued to impress in training. His conditioner opted to skip the Hopeful (G1) to target this spot with an eye on longer distances.

Veteran trainer Mark Casse brings two contenders: Curtain Call (Tiz the Law), third in the Hopeful after a decisive maiden win, and Just Asap (Maxfield), second in the Sapling Stakes (L) at Monmouth Park. Both come in on the rise.

Another intriguing prospect is Aye Eye (Essential Quality), capable of an explosive late run as shown in his Saratoga debut, though he was unable to replicate it in the Hopeful.

Rounding out the field are Talkin (Good Magic), the maiden Stradale (Yaupon), and two Kenny McPeek trainees, Universe (Global Campaign) and Stickupwithoutagun (McKinzie), all hoping to take advantage of the fertile ground for surprises in a juvenile race brimming with potential.