Tacitus looms large in Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes

A compact field of five will run 1 1/4 miles on the Belmont Park main surface in Saturday’s $250,000 Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1). The Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” event will give the winner an automatic entry into the Classic (G1) at Keeneland on Nov. 7.

Jockey Club Analysis

#1 Happy Saver will be sent to the lead in a field without much pace, while #4 Tacitus will likely track him from second.

Jockey Club Contenders

# 1 HAPPY SAVER -- Unbeaten sophomore earned his first stakes victory with a sharp score in the Federico Tesio S. last time out. Pletcher pupil dominated with a 5 1/2-length maiden score on this oval on debut, and he has a very high ceiling. Super Saver homebred has trained swiftly in preparation for his Grade 1 bow as well.

#2 PRIORITIZE -- Bond trainee was a very good third in the Woodward (G1) at Saratoga in his previous assignment. Tizway 5-year-old continues to ascend since switching to the dirt four races back, and he could fill the exacta with another move forward on Saturday. Luis Saez rides.

#3 NAME CHANGER -- Grade 3 hero has been consistent in 2020, but he will need to show more in order to challenge this cast inside the final furlong in the Jockey Club. Manny Franco will guide the Duarte trainee.

#4 TACITUS -- Horse to beat failed as the choice when second in the Woodward most recently, but the Mott pupil was a smashing winner of the Suburban (G2) at this venue two races prior. Gray son of Tapit checked in third in the 2019 edition of this race when facing better, and he seems poised to better that performance following a bullet half-mile drill most recently. Jose Ortiz riding adds to the appeal.

#5 MYSTIC GUIDE -- Talented sophomore responded to the addition of blinkers with a fine score in the Jim Dandy (G2) for Stidham. Ghostzapper chestnut has displayed a solid turn of foot at 1 1/8 miles to suggest that he could thrive at 10 panels in his first assignment at the trip. Godolphin homebred draws well outside and will follow the favorite throughout under Johnny V.

Jockey Club Wagers

• $30 Exacta: 4 with 5 ($30)
• $10 Exacta: 5 with 4 ($10)