Handicapping the Jockey Club Gold Cup, Vosburgh, Turf Classic & Pilgrim

By Matt Pappis
Tracksideview Staff Writer —-

Belmont

Race 7) Grade I Vosburgh Invitational

Imperial Hint (6): Much the one to beat in this race; he will likely destroy this field as a very short price and head to Louisville as one of the favorites in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint.

Silver Ride (5): He has potential to run some big numbers and is coming out of a live race, but it would take a significant improvement for him to beat the top pick.

Mr. Crow (4): Has some big back numbers and the only one who has run a race on paper as good as Imperial Hint, however those races came a long time ago.

Race 8) Grade I Turf Classic

Channel Maker (8): Chased a merry go round at Saratoga in the Sword Dancer and should be able to work out a great trip right off of Hi Happy; Mott has this one peaking heading towards the Breeders Cup.

Robert Bruce (1): Winner of 2/3 starts in the states, most recently the Arlington Million; he is much the one to beat here.

Sadler’s Joy (3): Always runs his race which is why we are willing to excuse his poor effort last out on a day where horses ran in a merry go round on the turf. He will put in his run and should be over looked on the board.

Race 9) Grade III Pilgrim

Opry (5): Broke his maiden in the Grade III With Anticipation after getting on turf for the first time; he could be a special one here and is a very likely winner of this race.

Rhythm With Soul (1): Was very impressive looping the field to break his maiden in state-bred company. This is a step up in class, but there is not much in here and he should have no issue stretching out.

Vineyard Sound (4): Ran a very good second in an off the turf race at Saratoga to an impressive Chad Brown maiden. He is bred for the turf and gets his shot here at a big price.

Race 10) Grade I Jockey Club Gold Cup

Diversify (6): His best race here buries this field; he has never finished out of the exacta at Belmont and is looking to be a repeat winner of the Jockey Club Gold Cup.

Carlino (1): He is a grinder and always run his race, and while it will be a step up in class, he proved himself vs. many top quality horses in the Brooklyn. At 30/1 on the morning line he deserves a big look in exotics.

Mendelssohn (3): Ran a big race in the Travers and will only have to contend with Diversify on the lead, which could help him hang around for the exotics.