JOCKEY CLUB

GOLD CUP (GROUP1)

LAST year’s winner Tonalist finished much the strongest to record his second win in the Jockey Club Gold Cup, Belmont’s Grade 1 contest, racing away from Wicked Strong to win by four and three-quarter lengths for trainer Christophe Clement and jockey John Velazquez.

The son of Tapit was sent off at even-money to land his fifth win at the track which also included last year’s Belmont Stakes.

Settled early, he closed before halfway and challenged early in the straight after Wicked Strong had taken the lead and made his bid for victory. That horse had no answer to Tonalist with Effinex finishing third a further six and a half lengths back.

TONALIST RALLY

Constitution and Wicked Strong led early and raced to the six furlongs in 1m 12.48secs. Wicked Strong moved to the outside on the backstretch and far turn, and into the straight, it appeared he might be hard catch but Tonalist rallied on the inside and quickly took over and won eased down.

It was a confidence-booster for Tonalist who had three Grade 1 placings on his recent efforts and brings his earnings to over $3m.

“I’m delighted for Mr Evans [owner, Robert Evans],” Clement said. “And mostly I’m delighted for the horse; I’ve never lost my faith in the horse. I never thought he was disappointing, he was a bit unlucky for the year, but the way he won today was very impressive. He always looked very comfortable. I thought that at any stage of the race, he could’ve taken them on. He’s back to what I always believed. He’s a top-class horse.”

Jimmy Jerkens, who trains Wicked Strong and Effinex, said: “I was glad (jockey Joel Rosario) let the other horse go, and Wicked Strong looked like he liked being up close. It looked like he tried and kept on a bit better than he usually does.”