Bernardini Wins Jockey Gold Cup, Ready For Breeders Cup Classic
Bernardini cruised to a 6 3/4 -length victory in the $750,000 Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park on Saturday. Up next for the champion horse is the 2006 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Churchill Downs on Nov. 4.
“I’ve got a fresh horse for the Breeders’ Cup now,” trainer Tom Albertrani said in the winner’s circle. “He does things so easily, I don’t know if anyone can give him the kind of race where he has to fight.”
A fight could develop in the $5 million BC Classic against Lava Man — 7-for-7 this year after Saturday’s win in the Goodwood Breeders’ Cup Handicap at Santa Anita. On the line will be Horse of the Year honors.
Bernardini’s latest command performance improved the brilliant 3-year-old colt’s winning streak to six. And the winning margins have totaled 40 lengths — an average of more than 6 1/2 lengths per win.
The son of A.P. Indy raced in second place behind Wanderin Boy until the field of four moved into the far turn. With just a nudge from jockey Javier Castellano, Bernardini overtook Wanderin Boy and had the lead by the top of the stretch.
Sent off as the 1-10 favorite, Bernardini covered the 1 miles in 2:01.02 and returned $2.30 and $2.10. Wanderin Boy was second and paid $3.50. There was no show wagering, with Andromeda’s Hero third and Dylan Thomas fourth, 32 lengths behind the winner.
Bernardini earned $450,000 for the win, boosting his bankroll to $2,060,480 for Darley Stable, owned by Dubai’s Sheik Mohammed.
The Jockey Club Gold Cup was Bernardini’s first test against older horses, and is the final prep for the Breeders Cup Classic race.
"Bernardini Wins Jockey Gold Cup, Ready For Breeders Cup Classic" was posted on 8 October 2006 8:54 PM under Breeders' Cup, Handicapping, Horses, Owners & Breeders, Race Tracks, Racing Picks & Betting Tips, Stakes Races, Trainers
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