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Witness History: Belmont Park's Resurgence and the Quest for Gold!

A New Dawn at Belmont Park: The Return of Elite Racing

After an extensive three-year transformation, Belmont Park is set to reopen its gates, welcoming back the excitement of live horse racing. The inaugural nine-race program will be headlined by the Grade 1, $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup, scheduled as Race 5. This eagerly awaited event also serves as a crucial qualifier, offering the winner a guaranteed entry into the Breeders' Cup Classic, slated for October at Keeneland. The day's racing action kicks off at 1:30 p.m. EDT.

Forever Young: An International Racing Sensation's American Campaign

The presence of Forever Young, Japan's reigning Horse of the Year and an Eclipse Award champion, underscores Belmont Park's enhanced status as a global racing hub. This remarkable 5-year-old, trained by Yoshito Yahagi, is set to make his 16th career start at his 10th different track. All of his previous 15 races across Japan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the U.S. have been ridden by jockey Ryusei Sakai.

Trainer Yahagi's Vision: Contributing to American Horse Racing

Yoshito Yahagi expressed his profound satisfaction in bringing Forever Young back to the United States for another high-stakes competition, especially coinciding with Belmont Park's historic reopening. He views this opportunity, encompassing both the Jockey Club Gold Cup and the Breeders' Cup Classic, as a chance to contribute to the growth and development of American horse racing, acknowledging the widespread support received.

Forever Young's Form: A Stellar Season Leading to Belmont

Forever Young's last race saw him secure a strong second place, just a length behind Magnitude, in the Group 1 Dubai World Cup in March. Earlier in his 5-year-old campaign, he successfully defended his title in the Group 1 Saudi Cup in February at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, where he captured the $20 million event by a length over Nysos. His consistent top-level performances have cemented his reputation on the international stage.

Preparation and Arrival: Global Travel and Training Regimen

Following his Dubai World Cup effort, Forever Young took a significant break before resuming training in Japan in early August. His racing manager, Hiroshi Ando, highlighted the strategic decision to train him in the cooler climate of Hakodate Racecourse to avoid the mainland's intense heat. Having arrived in the U.S. on Tuesday and cleared quarantine on Thursday, the horse is scheduled for a final breeze next Tuesday under Sakai, showcasing his seasoned ability to handle extensive travel.

Past Triumphs and Notable Rivalries: A Legacy of Excellence

Last year, Forever Young further solidified his global standing with an impressive 4:3-0-1 record, including a hard-fought victory in the Saudi Cup against Romantic Warrior. He then placed third in the Dubai World Cup before returning to Japan to win the Nippon TV Hai. Later in the year, he redeemed a previous Breeders' Cup Classic loss by triumphing over Sierra Leone and Fierceness at Del Mar. With career earnings exceeding $31.7 million and an 11-1-3 record from 15 starts, including a third-place finish in the 2024 Kentucky Derby, Forever Young continues to be a formidable competitor.

Phileas Fogg: A Homegrown Challenger's Ascent

Phileas Fogg, ridden by Kendrick Carmouche, enters the race with a proven track record at the 10-furlong distance, boasting three wins from four attempts. His recent back-to-back victories in the Suburban (G2) at Saratoga, including a dominant 10-length win with a career-best 114 Beyer Speed Figure, highlight his impressive form. Trainer Gustavo Rodriguez expressed confidence in the 6-year-old's current condition, despite acknowledging the formidable challenge posed by Forever Young.

Mott's Contenders: Baeza and Stars and Stripes

Despite the absence of reigning Horse of the Year Sovereignty, trainer Bill Mott still fields two strong contenders: Baeza and Stars and Stripes. Baeza, a Grade 1 winner, has shown consistent talent despite struggling with sharp breaks. His strong finishes in high-level races, including a third in the Alysheba (G2) and a second in the Stephen Foster (G1), attest to his capability. Stars and Stripes, fresh off a determined victory in the 1 3/4-mile Listed Birdstone, will be cutting back in distance, a decision owner John Frassetto believes is suitable for his competitive colt.

Banishing: A Global Performer with Consistent Form

Banishing, under jockey Joel Rosario, brings solid recent form to the Gold Cup, having secured a game runner-up finish in the Charles Town Classic (G2). This 6-year-old gelding previously dominated the Group 2 Godolphin Mile and boasts an impressive career record of 11 wins from 32 starts, with earnings over $3.2 million. Trainer David Jacobson praised Banishing's consistent performance and resilience, calling him a horse that 'speaks for himself.' He also commended the impressive efforts in revitalizing Belmont Park, envisioning it as a premier racing venue.

Chunk of Gold: A Rising Star's Pursuit of Grade 1 Glory

Chunk of Gold, a supplemental entry ridden by Jaime Torres, comes into the race after a hard-fought second in the Philip H. Iselin (G3). Trained by Ethan West, this 4-year-old colt previously made his mark on the Kentucky Derby trail and won the West Virginia Derby (G3). West highlights Chunk of Gold's honesty and mental maturity, noting his ability to perform consistently despite extensive travel. The team hopes to secure a Grade 1 placing with this career horse.

Render Judgment: The Dark Horse Challenger

Render Judgment, guided by Manny Franco, completes the field, arriving off a deep-closing second in an optional claiming event at Saratoga. Trainer Ken McPeek views this as an ambitious but potentially rewarding spot for the dual stakes-placed colt, especially with Sovereignty's absence. McPeek, known for upsetting favorites, has a history of success against top contenders, including a past victory over Forever Young, and hopes Render Judgment can capitalize on the distance and potentially surprise the field.