Handicapper's Corner: Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1)

Five Go for the Gold in Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes

 By Robert Marks, They're in the Gate (and on Twitter @theyreinthegate)

On Saturday, October 8th, 2016 NYRA has dubbed Belmont Park Racing Day as "Super Saturday. The day includes multiple Graded Stakes including the $1,000,000 Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup for 3-year-olds and up. The winner gets an automatic entry into the Breeder's Cup Classic. The field has scratched down to a small 5 horse field.

Here are the participants listed by Post Position, Horse, Age, Odds, Weight, Jockey and Trainer

PP	Horse	A/S	ODDs	Wgt	Jockey	Trainer
1	Protonico	5 H	12-1	126	Javier Castellano	Todd Pletcher
2	Mubtaahij	4 C	8-5	126	Jose Ortiz Jr.	Kiernan McLaughlin
3	Hoppertunity	5 H	7-2	126	Johnny Velazquez	Bob Baffert
4	War Story-SCRATCHED
5	Watershed	4C	30-1	126	Joel Rosairo	Kiernan McLaughlin
6	Effinex	5H	10-1	126	Mike Smith	Jimmy Jerkens

Here's who we like as far as horses to consider:

Mubtaahij -The 8-5 morning line odds might go off as the favorite so watch the board. He seems ready to pop a big one. He always runs hard and I expect McLaughlin to have him ready. Comes off a 2nd place in the Woodward Stakes at the Spa. The 1 1/4 distance will be no problem for this horse with much distance pedigree.  

Effinex - A Veteran who likes the Belmont Dirt and has run this distance 7 times. Always love hearing the race call of this horse.

Watershed - The other entry for McLaughlin deserves a long look, especially if he stays at 10-1 or higher. With 9 races under his belt, 3 in Graded Stakes races, I think he can stick around for a in the money showing. Biggest weakness will be distance.

Wagering/Betting Handigambling Bankroll: Here is our $82 worth of betting for the race

We feel confident with Mubtaahij and recommend using him in all your exotic bets.

$25 Win/Place: Mubtaahij (2) ($50 total)

EXACTA: $2 Key Exacta (10 Bets for total cost of $20)

2,6  / 2,6,5,1

Trifecta ($1 Box for $12 Total)

2,5,6

As always, watch the Board and if at the track watch how the horses look in the Paddock and adjust your bets accordingly. Good Luck!