GI Pegasus World Cup

It seems like just yesterday the announcement was made that Gulfstream Park would host the inaugural Pegasus World Cup Invitational. However, a lot has happened over the course of the past 10 years. While the present-day Pegasus format doesn't look much like it did when it was first launched in 2017, the primary directive of getting the best older horses in the country to come to Southern Florida for the third week in January has remained constant. And the history of past winners certainly reflects that. Beginning with its first...

HALLANDALE, FLORIDA--One year ago, trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. couldn't have been flying higher after White Abarrio (Race Day) ran away to a sparkling 6 1/4-length victory in the GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational at Gulfstream Park. The victory had capped a roller coaster ride for Joseph after the grey had previously won the GI Whitney and GI Breeders' Cup Classic for trainer Rick Dutrow Jr., but things seemed to go off course after that. Back under the supervision of Joseph at Gulfstream in the fall of 2024, the grey appeared...

The Pegasus World Cup card, to be held Jan. 24 at Gulfstream Park, continued to take shape in Florida as several contenders turned in works Friday, including GII Red Smith Stakes winner Cugino (Twirling Candy), who is pointing to the $1-million GI Pegasus World Cup Turf. The West Point Thoroughbreds and Jimmy Kahig Racing colorbearer breezed a half-mile in :49.11 (5/18) on Gulfstream's main track. He was last seen finishing second to Wolfie's Dynaghost (Ghostzapper) in the GIII Fort Lauderdale Stakes Dec. 20, the local Pegasus Turf prep. "No shame...

After considering several options, trainer Kenny McPeek said Monday that newly minted Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) will make her four-year-old debut in the GII Azeri S. on March 8 at Oaklawn Park. That would give her time to make the April 5 G1 Dubai World Cup, but McPeek said he has all but ruled out a trip to the Middle East in order to run in the April 12 GI Apple Blossom S., also at Oaklawn. "The Azeri will be a good first step back for...

After his work at Gulfstream Park Sunday morning, G1SW-KSA, MGSW & MGISP Senor Buscador (Mineshaft) has been withdrawn from the GI Pegasus World Cup and will be retired to stud duty, according to a tweet from owner Joey Peacock. In that message on X, Peacock mentions they were not completely happy with his return from the work and ruled out a start in the upcoming contest. Senor Buscador will now head to Lexington to begin his stallion career though a stud farm has yet to be announced. "Our Team was...

Leading Horse of the Year candidate Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) has an early 2025 racing schedule that could include two races at Oaklawn or a trip to Dubai, trainer Kenny McPeek said Wednesday afternoon via a press release from the Hot Springs track. Thorpedo Anna's conditioner said the filly--nicknamed the 'Grizzly Bear' last season--is under consideration for the GII Azeri Stakes Mar. 8 and the GI Apple Blossom Handicap April 12. The Azeri is Oaklawn's final major prep for the Apple Blossom. McPeek said Thorpedo Anna might take on males...

After White Abarrio (Race Day) trounced his competition in an allowance race Friday, his connections started plotting his upcoming schedule, with the GI Pegasus World Cup as the main goal. Normally, the Dec. 21 GIII Harlan's Holiday S. is the main prep for the Pegasus, but co-owner Mark Cornett said he is leaning toward running the soon-to-be 6-year-old instead in the Dec. 28 GIII Prospector S. at Gulfstream. The Mr. Prospector is run at seven furlongs while the Harlan's Holiday is a mile-and-a-sixteenth race. "We will look at the two...

The $5-million 1/ST GRAND 3 Pick 'Em Challenge reopened Thursday for fans to make their selections in the GI California Crown. The 1/ST GRAND 3 Pick 'Em Challenge will close at 7:40 p.m. ET on Sept. 28, prior to the post time for The California Crown. Five entries who correctly submitted the top four finishers from GI Preakness 149, remain eligible for the $5 million-dollar grand prize. The $5 million grand prize will only be awarded if one of the five remaining entries pick the top four finishers in order...

The upcoming entertainment roster for the inaugural California Crown will include VIP area trackside performances including Griffin, Lil Yachty, Shaboozey, Frank Walker and Zack Bia. Tickets for the event, which will take place at Santa Anita Park Sept. 28, are available at www.californiacrown.com. The California Crown marks the second race in 1/ST's Grand 3 $25-million racing and incentive series connecting the GI Preakness, The California Crown and the 2025 GI Pegasus World Cup. The California Crown race day will offer $3,000,000 in purses, including the $1,000,000 GI California Crown, replacing...

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY -- When Hillwood Stable's Post Time (Frosted) blossomed this year, trainer Brittany Russell began the normal process of testing him in tougher races. Each time, he proved to be up to the task, leading the Maryland-bred to the biggest challenge of his career in the 131st GI Metropolitan H. Saturday at Saratoga Race Course. Post Time drew Post 3 in the field of six led by GI Breeders Cup Classic and GI Whitney S. winner White Abarrio (Race Day) and GI Pegasus World Cup and GI Preakness...

GI Pegasus World Cup runner up Senor Buscador (Mineshaft) got in his final Gulfstream preparation Sunday ahead of an expected start in the G1 Saudi Cup. The release noted that the 6-year-old worked four furlongs in :50.41 under jockey Junior Alvarado who will be aboard the Todd Fincher runner for the Saudi Cup as well. "It went just the way Todd and I wanted," said Alvarado. "He went out there and stretched his legs. We wanted to keep him happy. He went around the track very happy, enjoying his workout...

Endorsed (Medaglia d'Oro--Dance Card, by Tapit), the half-brother to Horse of the Year Cody's Wish (Curlin), will stand the 2024 breeding season in Maryland at Northview Stallion Station for a fee of $5,000, the farm announced Monday. The 8-year-old MGSW, who retired after an injury while in training towards the GI Pegasus World Cup, last started in the GIII Steve Sexton Mile and finished his career with earnings of $970,133 and a record of 36-7-8-5. "Endorsed has been on our radar for quite some time and we're thrilled to present...