Sierra Leone Faces Deep Field At Saratoga

Sunday’s Grade 1, $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup at Saratoga brings together a star-studded cast, with a “Win and You’re In” berth to the Breeders’ Cup Classic on the line. The 10-furlong test will see the return of reigning Classic winner Sierra Leone, but several rivals appear capable of spoiling the party.

#3 Sierra Leone (8/5)

The reigning Champion 3-Year-Old colt returned to form with a powerful late rally in the Whitney, earning a 109 Beyer and reminding fans why he captured last year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic. Known for his deep-closing style, he’ll once again look to unleash his kick under Flavien Prat. With a win, Sierra Leone can solidify his place as the division’s leader heading into November.

“He’s rounding back into form, and I think we have him right back where he was last year towards the end of the year,” trainer Chad Brown said. “I didn’t think he’d run enough, so one more start will do him good. He seems to like a mile and a quarter.”

#4 Mindframe (2/1)

Todd Pletcher’s colt was scratch out of the Whitney for this spot but already owns a decisive win over Sierra Leone in the Stephen Foster. Versatile enough to run close or come from off the pace, Mindframe’s consistency at the top level makes him a major threat. Irad Ortiz Jr. retains the mount, and the extra time off may give him an edge in stamina for the mile-and-a-quarter trip.

“I think his resume is awfully strong,” trainer Todd Pletcher said. “He’s run against some of the top horses, not only short, but long. He seems capable of doing just about anything.”

#5 White Abarrio (8/1)

A former Breeders’ Cup Classic champion hasn’t looked his best in recent starts, but trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. insists the 6-year-old is training like his old self. A multiple Grade 1 winner with tactical speed and grit, White Abarrio has the class to bounce back, and his ceiling remains as high as anyone’s in the field.

“I love him right now. He’s given us the confidence to feel that way, and I hope everything continues that way so we get to see the White Abarrio that’s so good when he is,” trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr. said. “I feel just as good, if not better right now, as I did when we went into the Pegasus. Talk is cheap, but that’s how I feel. Everything he’s showing us right now is what you want to see, and hopefully, that carries over to the race.”

#2 Highland Falls (5/1)

Last year’s Gold Cup winner nearly stole the Whitney, leading in mid-stretch before Sierra Leone surged past. Trained by Brad Cox, the Godolphin runner continues to improve and owns both stamina and tactical speed — key weapons at this distance. He could easily turn the tables with a similar trip.

“I think he’s a better horse this year than last,” trainer Brad Cox said “I thought he showed that off the layoff at Aqueduct and his last time was really good. It was a bit of a stretched-out field going down the backside but he sat close enough to the pace there with Fierceness tracking the top-two horses and he finished up well. He showed a lot of grit and determination down the lane. He always tries hard.”

Others to Watch

Contrary Thinking: Likely pace factor and pet rabbit for Sierra Leone.
Antiquarian: Just missed in the Suburban and could step forward.
Banishing: Comes in sharp off a Grade 2 win at Charles Town.
Phileas Fogg: Improving colt with a recent Suburban victory.
Disarm: Reliable and battle-tested for Steve Asmussen.

The Verdict

This year’s Jockey Club Gold Cup shapes up as one of the deepest renewals in recent memory. Sierra Leone is the one to beat, but Mindframe’s versatility, White Abarrio’s proven big-race ability, and Highland Falls’ consistency ensure he’ll face a serious test. With multiple Grade 1 winners and several rising contenders in the mix, the path to the Breeders’ Cup Classic runs straight through Saratoga on Sunday.

Racing Dudes has published a full Jockey Club Gold Cup preview and top pick, including a race-by-race breakdown and expert selection to win. It’s part of their trusted pre-race analysis lineup.

Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jaredwelch/2025/08/29/jockey-club-gold-cup-preview-sierra-leone-faces-deep-field-at-saratoga/