The 2025 Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) winner, White Avario, owned by C2 Racing Stable LLC, La Milagrosa Stable LLC, and Gary Barber, is a standout contender on the invitation list for the $3 million stakes race set for January 24 at Gulfstream Park. This event, a 1 1/8-mile stakes for horses aged four and older, serves as the highlight of a day featuring 10 stakes races and seven major prizes, including the $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational (G1) and the $500,000 Pegasus World Cup Mares Turf Invitational (G2).
Trained by Safie Joseph Jr., who also claimed victory with White Avario in the 2025 Pegasus World Cup by over six lengths, the horse boasts earnings of $7.1 million but hasn’t raced since finishing fourth in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) at Saratoga last August. Joseph also trains Skippy Longstocking, another Pegasus World Cup invitee who recently won the Harlan’s Holiday (G3) at Gulfstream Park. Exagerator, the son of Daniel Alonso and another Harlan’s Holiday winner, has accumulated $3.775 million in prize money.
Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert has entered Goal Oriented, the Malibu (G1) winner at Santa Anita, to the Pegasus World Cup invitation list. This horse, owned by SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, and partners, joins an impressive legacy after Baffert trained three previous Pegasus World Cup champions, including Arrogate, Mucho Gusto, and the 2024 winner National Treasure.
Brad Cox, who trained 2021 winner Nicks Go, has three horses invited for the 2026 renewal: Tappan Street, Disco Time, and Bishop’s Bay. Tappan Street, a Curlin Florida Derby (G1) winner, recently returned to action with a win, while Disco Time boasts an undefeated streak in five races and victories in the Lecomte (G3), St. Louis Derby, and Dwyer. Bishop’s Bay, a son of Uncle Moe, has claimed nine wins from 13 starts, including victories in the 49er (G3) and Cigar Mile (G2).
Todd Pletcher, another Hall of Fame trainer and 2022 Pegasus World Cup winner with Life is Good, is on the invite list for 2026 with Captain Cook, a Practical Joke offspring showing consistent performances. Other invitees include Rattle ‘n’ Roll with $3.6 million in earnings, Chunk of Gold, a 2025 Kentucky Derby runner and West Virginia Derby (G3) winner, and Godolphin’s promising colt, who recently returned strong after injury.
Fronis Racing LLC’s Furserano, the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) winner, and Touchpona, managed by former NFL quarterback Jake Delhomme’s Set Hat LLC with $1.6 million in prize money, also figure among the top horses invited.
Fan Take: This lineup for the Pegasus World Cup is thrilling for horse racing enthusiasts, showcasing a blend of past champions and rising talent poised to deliver fierce competition. The event not only highlights the sport’s elite but also promises to boost global interest, setting the stage for an exhilarating season ahead.
