The New York Racing Association celebrates the grand reopening of Belmont Park’s newly rebuilt grandstand and clubhouse this Friday, highlighted by the $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup. The race’s marquee figure is Forever Young, the reigning Breeders’ Cup Classic champion and 3/5 favorite, who has stunned the Thoroughbred racing world with his globe-trotting success. Trained by Yoshito Yahagi and ridden by Ryusei Sakai, this Japanese-bred five-year-old boasts eleven Grade 1 victories, including prestigious wins at the Saudi Cup, Dubai Derby, and UAE Derby, amassing nearly $30 million in career earnings across three continents.

Originally anticipated to feature a dramatic showdown between Forever Young and American star Sovereignty, the latter's withdrawal due to a hoof abscess reshaped the competition. This development cleared the way for Forever Young to enter as the overwhelming favorite, but challengers remain. Among them is Baeza, trained by Bill Mott, who has competed at the highest level since his 2025 Kentucky Derby debut and carries a strong finishing kick, providing a tough tactical matchup for the international champion. Baeza’s youthful vigor contrasts with Forever Young’s veteran finesse, offering a compelling contest on the Belmont track's reintroduction.

Another notable contender is Phileas Fogg, owned by Godolphin and trained by Gustavo Rodriguez. At six years old, this late bloomer has excelled at middle distances and most recently won the Suburban Stakes at Saratoga, proving he can dominate at the distance of the Jockey Club Gold Cup. While Phileas Fogg lacks the high-profile victories of Forever Young, his recent form and stamina make him a serious contender capable of shaking up the race, especially as an exotic wager candidate for bettors looking to add some heat to the form.

For Forever Young, the stakes exceed just the $1 million purse. Winning the Jockey Club Gold Cup serves as a pivotal "win-and-you’re-in" qualifier for the 2026 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland, setting the stage for a bid to defend his title. As he approaches the latter stages of his racing career, this race could serve as one of his final major performances before transitioning to a breeding role. His trainer and jockey display unyielding confidence, signaling that the champion will continue to challenge top rivals while adding to his remarkable record on the international racing circuit.