The venerable Jockey Club Gold Cup came up with a six-pack of entrants and Tonalist will most likely be odds-on in this year’s event. Coach Inge and Wicked Strong add depth to this Grade 1 race from Belmont Park.
2015 Jockey Club Gold Cup Field:
Tonalist: Solid 2015 campaign has been aggressively placed in the Met Mile and finished 2nd. Whitney was a fast race and he finished well, but ultimately Honor Code got the first jump and inside trip in that race. Has been alternating blinkers on and blinkers off in recent races. Interesting note from DRF David Greening on last Saturdays work:
Note on Workout from DRF
Tonalist is just 1 for 4 in 2015 but owns a four for 6 lifetime record at Belmont Park with 2 seconds. All systems are go and he is “Breathing Fire” in the mornings.
Effinex turned in a powerful performance winning the Suburban Handicap at Belmont Park. This guy likes to win with a 6 for 17 lifetime mark and does well in New York. His best races have been as a closer, but he has the ability to race close to the and within 5 lengths of the lead. His Woodward effort is a toss, he was washed out before the race and became rattled by the crowd. Can improve off the last race.
Wicked Strong is a hard-hitting son of Hard Spun who has yet to find the winners circle in 2015. Lost to Liam’s Map by 6 lengths in back to back races indicating his form is holding steady. The pace of this race favors his running style. His best races have come when he is on the lead at the stretch call and I think he will challenge Coach Inge for the lead in this spot. He should get first run on Effinex and Tonalist.
Looks to Spare is from the Land of Lincoln and this Illinois Bred upset the apple cart in the Mountains last race winning at 74/1 and blowing up the tote-board. Overall he has had a consistent year. Running in a Grade 1 stakes race at 10 furlongs is a whole new ball game, but he has earned his way to this point. Class will tell and he will have a hard time with the best of the best in this race.
Constitution figures to be the lone speed in this race. Turf race in last was perfect prep. Florida has been his home track the past couple of years and his 4 lifetime wins are all in the Sunshine state. Have to respect his speed and Coach Inge will have to keep him honest. Ultimately not sure wants 10 furlongs, but have to respect his speed.
Constitution
Coach Inge has put in an admirable campaign for this son of Big Brown. With 7 races and 7 times on the “board” he has held form all summer. Brooklyn, Woodward, Suburban and now the Jockey Club Gold Cup, very few horses have run those 4 races in the same season. Trip will be key, he will rate off Constitution, but Wicked Strong will make his move going into the turn. Some big race riding decisions will be made in this race. Best chance of winning may be to make one move down the backstretch and pass Constitution in one rush as he likes a good fight.
The Selection:
Constitution is the speed, Coach Inge is steady. But this race looks like Tonalist to put it all together. Strong gallop out in the Whitney and impressive Met Mile on the cutback. Works have been solid and is the best 10 furlong horse. JCGC has been his “point” to race all year. Wicked Strong has good form and is the 2nd most likely to find the winner circle. If he is on the lead turning for home, has a shot.