The initial lineup for the $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1) race at Gulfstream Park on January 24 features several accomplished horses, including Cabo Spirit, Major Dude, Program Trading, and Wolfie’s Dyna Ghost. Leading the roster of 19 elite contenders is Seven Billionaires. The 1 1/8-mile event, open to horses aged four and older, is part of a larger World Cup Day card that includes 10 stakes races with seven graded events and a total purse of $5.55 million, highlighted by the $3 million Pegasus World Cup (G1) and the $500,000 Pegasus Filly Turf (G2).
Top trainers such as Chad Brown, who has an impressive record with six wins in seven Pegasus Turf races, along with Mike Maker and Todd Pletcher, both two-time winners, are represented in the field. Brown recently secured a win with Spirit of St. Louis, underscoring his dominance in this event.
Invited horses include:
– Almendares: A British gelding now racing in Southern California, with key wins including the Wicker Prix at Del Mar and a close fifth in the Seabiscuit Handicap (G2).
– Flooded: A Midshipman gelding trained by Mike Maker, entering his fourth season with notable wins in the Last Halley Stakes at Turfway Park and the Hawthorne Derby.
– Astronomer: Trained by Simon Callahan, aiming for his first graded stakes win after several near-misses in prestigious races.
– Balnikov: A seven-year-old veteran with multiple graded stakes victories, including the San Francisco Mile and Bryan Station Stakes.
– Beach Gold: A five-year-old who recently placed well in the Mint Millions and Coolmore Turf Mile (G1).
– Cabo Spirit: A seasoned competitor with nearly $1.4 million in earnings and several graded stakes wins under trainer George Papaplodromou.
– Call Sign Seven: A five-year-old California-based horse with recent success at Del Mar.
– Chasing the Crown: Another Mike Maker trainee, noted for winning the Tight Spot Overnight Handicap and placing third last year’s Pegasus Turf.
– Cousino: Seeking to give Hall of Famer McGaughey his first Pegasus Turf win, with multiple stakes victories including the Red Bank (G2).
– Powerful: A Florida-bred El Potente colt, known for a win in the Thunder Road (G3) and consistent high placements.
– Layabout: Trained by Patrick Biancone, fresh off a tight win in the Tropical Park Derby.
– Major Dude: Trained by Todd Pletcher, a consistent performer with graded wins and over $1.4 million in earnings.
– Namaron: A German Group 3 winner now competing in the U.S., aiming to impress under John Sadler’s training.
– Ohana Honor Honora: Recently claiming the Knickerbocker at Aqueduct, the six-year-old horse is trained by McGaughey.
– One Stripe: A South African colt who has quickly made a mark with major stakes wins back home and a dominant recent victory at Gulfstream.
– Program Trading: A Chad Brown trainee and former Pegasus Turf champion with multiple Grade 1 wins.
– Test Score: Another Graham Motion trainee with a solid record including wins in multiple graded stakes across the country.
– Win for the Money: A seven-year-old veteran with a notable Woodbine Mile (G1) victory and consistent graded stakes finishes.
– Wolfie’s Dyna Ghost: An eight-year-old with 14 career wins, including recent successes in the River City (G3) and Fort Lauderdale (G3).
Fan Take: This lineup showcases a thrilling mix of international talent and top American horses, underlining the Pegasus World Cup Turf as a truly global and competitive event. For racing enthusiasts, it promises exciting competition and could boost the sport’s profile and fan engagement worldwide.
