Expert Picks: 2021 Jockey Club Gold Cup

The Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) at Saratoga features a six-horse field going 1 1/4 miles on the dirt. Below is how the experts will be playing Saturday's headliner.

Ron Flatter, Horse Racing Nation

Winner: #4 Happy Saver

On the board: #1 Forza Di Oro

Longshot I like: #2 Max Player

Analysis: Forza Di Oro’s last performance is the shiny object that caught everyone's attention. Don’t forget Happy Saver’s last race and his only loss came on a wet track. He is perfect on fast dirt. He will remain so after this race.

Chase Sessoms, Expert Picks

Winner: #2 Max Player

On the board: #1 Forza Di Oro

Longshot I like: #3 Chess Chief

Analysis: The main track showed a pretty strong rail bias yesterday. I think Max player will get the pocket trip and that Happy Saver and other horses with the same style as Max Player hang wide.

Reinier Macatangay, Setting the Pace

Winner: #2 Max Player

On the board: #4 Happy Saver

Longshot I like: #5 Night Ops

Analysis: Max Player took a step forward in his Suburban Stakes win, and there is no reason to believe he cannot keep the momentum going. Because he can sit close to the leader or close from behind, he has useful versatility. Besides Max Player, another viable option is Happy Saver, who could take a step forward in his third start off the bench and repeat as the winner. Look for 7-2 odds or higher to play Max Player to win or place.

Jeffrey Byrnes, Byrnzzze's Corner

Winner: #1 Forza Di Oro

On the board: #2 Max Player

Longshot I like: #5 Night Ops

Analysis: Forza Di Oro steps back into graded stakes company after a sharp allowance win off a nine month layoff. Breaking from the rail, He could show early speed and try to get the short way around the track. Solid works coming in, this colt has shown he has plenty of talent, but injuries and setbacks have held him back.

If he can put it together today, the rest will be running for second. Max Player is coming off a breakthrough win in the G2 Suburban last out, beating the likes of Happy Saver and Mystic Guide. It was a good race after three straight disappointing runs since being transferred to Steve Asmussen. Perhaps he has turned a corner?

He also could be much closer to the pace today with no speed signed on. He has shown the 1 1/4 mile can be his best distance, if he runs a repeat of the Suburban, he will be tough. Night Ops is 5-1 on the morning line, but I feel he will be a little higher than that, and that is good.

This horse, though winless in 2021, has never been worse than 3rd in six starts. Last out he chased Art Collector around the track in the Alydar Stakes. Art Collector has since come back to win the G2 Charles Town Classic. Night Ops has shown speed in the past, with no speed signed on, it won't surprise me if this guy is in front early on.

As a long shot, he has nothing to lose. Get to the front and let the other come and get you. If he does get to the lead and he can set moderate fractions, he could be tough to pass in the stretch. I will play a 1-2-5 trifecta box.

Jarrod Horak, Best Bets

Winner: #1 Forza Di Oro

On the board: #4 Happy Saver

Longshot I like: #5 Night Ops

Analysis: The first thing that jumps out is the lack of pace in this race. Forza Di Oro has tactical speed and the rail, and he acts like he will relish the added distance of this race. He might lead these on a merry chase if nobody else wants the lead.

Max Player upset the Suburban (G2) in the slop at 11.80-1 odds and that ended a six-race losing streak. I don't want to play him at 5-2 or less. Happy Saver lost for the first time in the Suburban and might bounce back on dry land. Night Ops consistently fires trifecta shots and can complete the exacta behind Forza Di Oro.

Mark Midland

Winner: #2 Max Player

On the board: #4 Happy Saver

Longshot I like: #5 Night Ops

Analysis: Max Player ran great last time in the Suburban in the slop at Belmont. He ran fast both early and late and bested Mystic Guide and Happy Saver in a game performance.  Many people will dismiss that performance because it came in the slop, but that would be a mistake.  Look for a repeat of that performance here.

Happy Saver is always right there, look for him to give a gallant effort, and maybe Night Ops can sneak in for a share.