Bernardini Favorite To Win Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont
Preakness and Travers Stakes winner, Bernardini, is favorite to become runaway victor at Saturday’s $750,000 Jockey Gold Cup at Belmont Park. He will face only three opponents: Europe-bred Dylan Thomas, Wanderin Boy and Andromeda’s Hero, the smallest field since 1988.
The Jockey Club Gold Cup is a final prep for the 2006 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Churchill Downs on Nov. 4.
Irish Derby and Irish Champion Stakes winner Dylan Thomas, a 3-year-old making his first start in America and on dirt, is among the challengers, along with 4-year-old Andromeda’s Hero and 5-year-old Wanderin Boy, both trained by Nick Zito.
The Gold Cup lost some of its luster last week when top older horse Invasor – winner in eight of nine career starts — spiked a fever and was declared out.
Bernanrdini and Invasor could meet up in the $5 million BC Classic, with Horse of the Year honors on the line.
Bernardini took control of the 3-year-old division by winning the Preakness and following up with a nine-length romp in the Jim Dandy and a 7 1/2 -length win in the Travers, both at Saratoga.
The Gold Cup is one of five stakes at Belmont Park that will help shape the fields for the Breeders’ Cup races.
2006 Jockey Gold Cup Race Entries, Post Position, & Jockeys:
| Post # | Horse | Jockey | Weight | Claim Price | Equip. | Med. |
| 1 | Bernardini | Castellano J J | 122 | 0 | L | |
| 2 | Dylan Thomas (IRE) | Velazquez J R | 122 | 0 | FTL | |
| 3 | Wanderin Boy | Prado E S | 126 | 0 | L | |
| 4 | Andromeda’s Hero | Velasquez C | 126 | 0 | L |
"Bernardini Favorite To Win Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont" was posted on 5 October 2006 8:26 PM under Breeders' Cup, Handicapping, Horses, Race Tracks, Racing Picks & Betting Tips, Stakes Races, Trainers
10% Instant Bonus, Free & Fast Payouts
Up to 60% Racebook Deposit Bonus +5% Weekly Horse Betting Rebate
Get Reward Points For Free Bets