Banishing and Chunk of Gold skip Jockey Club Gold Cup
Two top contenders, Banishing and Chunk of Gold, have withdrawn from the Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park. Forever Young remains the clear favorite in the reduced field, which serves as a final prep race for the Breeders' Cup Classic.
Key points
- Banishing, the winner of the Godolphin Mile, has scratched from the Jockey Club Gold Cup.
- Chunk of Gold, a Grade 3 winner, also bypassed the race at Belmont Park.
- Forever Young is now the dominant favorite in the remaining field for the 10-furlong event.
- The Jockey Club Gold Cup functions as a Win-and-You're-In trial for the Breeders' Cup Classic.
Background
In September 2026, Forever Young led a seven-horse field in the Jockey Club Gold Cup, with both Banishing and Chunk of Gold originally listed as contenders. Sovereignty was sidelined by an abscess at that time, leaving Bill Mott's Baeza and Stars and Stripes as other notable rivals. The race is a key preparatory step for the Breeders' Cup Classic, and the recent withdrawals significantly alter the competitive landscape for this final tune-up.
Why it matters
The withdrawals of Banishing and Chunk of Gold simplify the field for Forever Young, who is now heavily favored. As a Win-and-You're-In race, the outcome directly impacts the field for the Breeders' Cup Classic, making these scratches a significant development for the upcoming autumn racing season.
What to watch
Forever Young is expected to compete in the Jockey Club Gold Cup as the primary favorite, with the remaining field including Baeza, Stars and Stripes, Phileas Fogg, and Render Judgement. The race will determine the final contenders for the Breeders' Cup Classic.
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