Forever Young or another challenger? Here's why every horse can win Friday's Jockey Club Gold Cup

Belmont Park is set to reopen with a fresh nine-race card on Friday, featuring the $1 million Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup. Featuring the 2026 U.S. debut of 2025 Breeders' Cup Classic winner Forever Young, this race will have six strong rivals for all 6,000 spectators in attendance. Here's a breakdown of why each horse can potentially win:

1. Baeza (9-2): The 4-year-old has shown he can compete against the nation's top horses, despite a history of slow and faulty starts. If he can start properly, he remains a threat.

2. Stars and Stripes (15-1): Trainer Bill Mott's second horse in the race, Stars and Stripes, recently won the Birdstone Stakes. With a clean break and strong stalking trip, he could give this longshot a run for its money, especially with Sovereignty out of the race.

3. Chunk of Gold (12-1): This 4-year-old has been close to winning recently, coming in fourth in the 2025 Kentucky Derby and finishing in the money in his other races. A $12-1 shot, he could still make a solid run at this lucrative price.

4. Phileas Fogg (4-1): The 6-year-old has been at his best recently, earning a 107 Beyer Speed Figure and a Suburban win. To win at Belmont Park, he'll need to maintain this pace.

5. Banishing (12-1): Also a 6-year-old, Banishing is battle-tested with multiple Grade 1 wins under his belt. Despite not securing a Grade 1 victory himself, he steps into a group of older, stronger competitors.