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Horse racing

Bernardini Favored to Win Jockey Club Gold Cup in Thrilling Belmont Park Racing Event

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Trainer Tom Albertrani praises Bernardini, his star 3-year-old, as "fantastic" and foresees no reason why he shouldn't show up again as he has in his last few races. The son of A.P. Indy is a five-race winning streak, prevailing by a combined 33 1/4 lengths, and is the overwhelming 1-2 favorite in the morning line to pass his first test against older horses. Bernardini will face stiff competition from Irish Derby champion Dylan Thomas, Wanderin Boy, and Andromeda's Hero in the 11/4-mile Gold Cup.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bernardini, a 3-year-old son of A.P. Indy, is riding a five-race winning streak and is the overwhelming 1-2 favorite in the morning line to win the Jockey Club Gold Cup.
  • Bernardini has prevailed by a combined 33 1/4 lengths in his last five races and is being used as a springboard to the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic at Churchill Downs on November 4.
  • Dylan Thomas, the Irish Derby champion, will face Bernardini's test by running on a dirt track for the first time, after exceling on turf.
  • Two Nick Zito trainees, Wanderin Boy and Andromeda's Hero, are also strong contenders, despite having different strengths and weaknesses.
  • Invasor, the winner of the Suburban and Whitney Stakes, scratched from the race due to a fever.
  • The Jockey Club Gold Cup is part of a significant day of racing leading up to the Breeders' Cup, which typically decides divisional and Horse of the Year honors.
  • Blazing Lava Man, a former claiming horse, looks to continue his winning ways in the $500,000 Goodwood Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita in Arcadia, California.
  • The $400,000 Vosburgh, a 6-furlong prep for the Breeders' Cup Sprint, is also a compelling race, pitting Henny Hughes against Silver Train.
  • Fleet Indian, who has swept all five starts since being purchased privately by Paul Saylor and put under Todd Pletcher's care, will use the $600,000 Beldame as her final tuneup for the $2 million Distaff.

Statistics:

  • 33 1/4 lengths: Combined winning margin of Bernardini in his last five races.
  • 5: Number of races Bernardini has won in a row.
  • $5 million: Prize purse for the Breeders' Cup Classic at Churchill Downs on November 4.
  • $750,000: Prize purse for the Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park.
  • 1-2: Morning line odds for Bernardini to win the Jockey Club Gold Cup.
  • 2-1: Morning line odds for Dylan Thomas to win the Jockey Club Gold Cup.
  • 5-1: Morning line odds for Wanderin Boy to win the Jockey Club Gold Cup.
  • 15-1: Morning line odds for Andromeda's Hero to win the Jockey Club Gold Cup.

Sources:

  • USA Today article by Tom Pedulla.
  • Benoit photo, via AP.

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