How to bet the 2024 Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes

An excellent field of seven will run 1 1/4 miles on the Saratoga main surface in Sunday’s $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup S. (G1). The historic contest goes through favorite and likely pacesetter #7 Arthur’s Ride for trainer Bill Mott. 

The four-year-old son of Tapit was twice second on this oval as a juvenile to commence his career, and he broke his maiden in his lone effort as a three-year-old at Gulfstream Park. 

Jockey Club Wagers

• $20 exacta 7 with 4,6 ($40)
• $4 trifecta key 7 with 4,6 ($8)

I’ll concede the race to the morning-line choice and focus on a pair of others in search for value in the vertical exotics. 

While a lack of progression this season from 2023 Travers S. (G1) runner-up #4 Disarm has been disappointing, he’ll get another chance to prove that he is capable of being a major player at this level. Trained by Steve Asmussen, the son of Gun Runner was a belated fourth in the Whitney in his third start off the layoff and is slowly moving forward in 2024. I expect the colt to appreciate the 1 1/4 miles Sunday, and he will be rallying well late after saving ground for the majority of the contest. Joel Rosario has the call. 

I would be surprised to see #6 Highland Falls in the winner's circle following the feature, but he is consistently good and his grinding running style seems ideal for both the course and the distance. The Brad Cox pupil was outrun in the Monmouth Cup (G3) in his latest offering, but I fully expect him to take a step in the right direction on this day. The Godolphin homebred has never run a bad one, and his works at this venue have been especially positive. Flavien Prat riding adds to his appeal.