Bodog Beat

First it was the 2009 Belmont Stakes, then came the 2009 Travers Stakes. What's next for Summer Bird and jockey Kent Desormeaux? The 2009 Breeders' Cup? (AP Images)

On Saturday, Oct. 3 at Belmont Park, all eyes were on Summer Bird and jockey Kent Desormeaux as they made their way to the gates for a shot at yet another huge victory — the Grade I $750,000 Jockey Club Gold Cup.

The 3-year-old son of Birdstone bided his time before unleashing the perfect stretch drive. Rival Quality Road made things interesting, but there was no stopping Summer Bird as he went on to win the 1 1/4 miles Jockey Club Gold Cup in 2:02.51 and returned $4.50 as the favorite.

"At the quarter pole he spit past Quality Road, and he was idling," Desormeaux said. "He's trying to be the best I've ever ridden."

Summer Bird's owners are getting the thoroughbred ready to to be shipped to Santa Anita where they'll have 10 days to prep the horse for the 2009 Breeders' Cup Classic.

"It's been 20 years since a 3-year-old won the Belmont, Travers and the Gold Cup," trainer Tim Ice said. "I think it does put him in an elite group and he should be named 3-year-old champion colt."

Get the recap of the 2009 Jockey Club Gold Club in the article, "Summer Bird Soars in Jockey Club Gold Cup," and then make your way over to the Bodog Racebook to bet on horse racing!