2009 Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1)

Summer Bird does have some advantages in the JC Gold Cup. He is a grade one winner at Big Sandy and exits a grade one victory at ten furlongs. He has enough tactical speed to keep Quality Road in his sights as well. That being said, I still think Quality Road will prevail on Saturday. Summer Bird may have peaked in the Travers, while Quality Road should be rounding back to his Florida Derby form. Probably not a great betting race but I'll be glued to the TV nonetheless.

I agree midracing69. I'm not knocking Summer Bird. He accomplished some this summer. But if the speed of the Amsterdam or the Quality Road that showed up in the Fountain of Youth and the Florida Derby is there, I think Macho again would more likely run at him than Summer Bird. I think if Quality Road had stayed healthy and ran all season, we probably wouldn't even be talking that much about summer bird. When Q.R. is on, he's the best 3 yr. old colt in the country, in my opinion.

Been waiting for Quality Road to run back after troubled Travers journey. Don't know how much value he will offer, but I would love to see him turn the tables on Summer Bird in the JC Gold Cup. The Pletcher trainee is perfectly posted and should have every chance to prove he is the top 3yo colt in the land.

Be forwarned.... Sette E Mezzo is an improving horse that is somewhat unproven on dirt. He should appreciate the distance and a decent post for a change. He comes in off a 99 Beyer on the grass over a wide trip. He could pick up some pieces on Saturday... and who knows where he shows up next. Also get the benefit of Desormeaux - off.

Rossington - That's a good point. It's also interesting that the fan poll on the home page has quickly established Quality Road as a favorite over Summer Bird.

Absolutely cigar. I was just telling my wife yesterday that other than Quality Road not liking that Saratoga mud, he got bumped and jostled around pretty good when they broke in the Travers. I think drawing the outside post is perfect for him in a small field like this. If that speed shows up and holds up distance wise, I say he'll win the Gold Cup. I look for Macho Again to be running at him at the end more than I do Summer Bird.

You have to LOVE the trip Quality Road will likely sit... right off the speed, first-run and clear sailing with his outside draw. No one talks about how he was slammed out of the gate in Travers, yet he still ran on.

I would love to see Quality Road bring his A game and turn the tables on Summer Bird in the Gold Cup. Should be an interesting race.

I am expecting the real Quality Road to show up in the JC Gold Cup. A free and clear prominent throughout trip is anticipated.