Pegasus World Cup 2024

CONTENDERS

The top Thoroughbreds in the sport squared off in the eighth running of the Pegasus World Cup on Saturday, January 27 at Gulfstream Park. Bettors and fans were treated to an All For One experience and thrilling race cards that featured the $3 million Pegasus World Cup (G1), the $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1), and the second edition of the $500,000 Pegasus Filly and Mare Turf (G2) race. The invitational series continued to be at the forefront of innovating the sport of Thoroughbred racing by once again requiring equine athletes to compete free of any medications on race day.

Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1)

2024 CHAMPION

National Treasure

7

National Treasure

7

Owner

SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC ,Robert E. Masterson, Stonestreet Stables, LLC, Jay Schoenfarber, Waves Edge Capital LLC and Catherine Donovan

Trainer

Bob Baffert

Jockey

Flavien Pratt

ML

9-5

Skinny

Last year’s Preakness (G1) winner was off the board in his next three starts before finishing second in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) after setting the pace. Trainer Baffert won this race in 2017 with Arrogate and was second in 2018 with West Coast and second last year with Defunded. Good chance National Treasure is on the lead or very close to it.

Senor Buscador

6

Senor Buscador

6

Owner

Joe R. Peacock, Jr.

Trainer

Todd Fincher

Jockey

Junior Alvarado

ML

20-1

Skinny

Been running mostly in California but has been at Gulfstream for a while training for the Pegasus. The son of Mineshaft won the San Diego Handicap (G2) at Del Mar last summer and was third in the Awesome Again (G1) at Santa Anita before finishing seventh in the Breeders’ Cup. Enters off a second-place finish in the Cigar Mile.

Crupi

11

Crupi

11

Owner

St. Elias, Repole Stable

Trainer

Todd Pletcher

Jockey

Frankie Dettori

ML

20-1

Skinny

Comes into the race on a two-race winning streak having won the Queen County and Discovery at Aqueduct. He hasn’t won a graded stakes race, but the 4-year-old son of Curlin could sit a nice trip here. Trainer Pletcher won last year’s Pegasus with Life Is Good.

Hoist The Gold

4

Hoist The Gold

4

Owner

Dream Team One Racing Stable (James Culver)

Trainer

Dallas Stewart

Jockey

John Velazquez

ML

12-1

Skinny

This 5-year-old has been around, running 25 times and earning more than $1 million with his last five starts being against Grade 1 or 2 company. He won the Cigar Mile (G2) easily in his last start at Aqueduct over a muddy track and won the Phoenix (G2) at Keeneland in the fall over a fast track. Trainer Stewart has a knack for getting longshots to finish in the money…or win

O’Connor (CHI)

2

O’Connor (CHI)

2

Owner

Michael and Jules Iavarone and Fernando Vine Ode

Trainer

Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.

Jockey

Paco Lopez

ML

8-1

Skinny

One of the likely favorites coming into the Pegasus off victories in the Fayette at Keeneland and Harlan’s Holiday. Raced in Chile 18 times before arriving in the U.S. in October of 2022. The 7-year-old also finished second in last year’s Ghostzapper (G3) and second in the Charles Town Classic (G2).

IL Miracolo

10

IL Miracolo

10

Owner

Alex Andres, LLC (Eduardo Soto)

Trainer

Antonio Sano

Jockey

Javier Castellano

ML

20-1

Skinny

Spent much of last summer and fall traveling and gamely running third in the Fayette (G2) at Keeneland, winning the Smarty Jones (G3) at Parx, and finishing third in the Clark (G2) at Churchill Downs. Trainer Sano saddled Gunnevera to a third-place finish in the 2018 Pegasus.

Dynamic One

3

Dynamic One

3

Owner

Repole Stable, Phipps Stable, St. Elias Stable

Trainer

Todd Pletcher

Jockey

Irad Ortiz Jr.

ML

15-1

Skinny

Raced against many of the best in 2022, including Cody’s Wish and Mandaloun, and won the Suburban (G2) that year. He didn’t race for 13 months before returning at Gulfstream in December when finishing fifth at a mile. Looks like he needs some pace to run at. Trainer Pletcher won the race in 2022 with Life Is Good. One of two he will saddle.

Nimitz Class

1

Nimitz Class

1

Owner

Qatar Racing, Black Type Thoroughbreds

Trainer

George Weaver

Jockey

Edgard Zayas

ML

20-1

Skinny

He’s won 11 of 21 starts at tracks like Parx, Laurel and Penn National. Was second in his only graded stakes start at Monmouth in the Salvator Mile (G3) over the summer. This will be his first start for trainer Weaver, who is 21-percent with a first timer in his barn.

First Mission

8

First Mission

8

Owner

Godolphin, LLC (Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum)

Trainer

Brad H. Cox

Jockey

Luis Saez

ML

7-2

Skinny

Lightly raced and a likely favorite off his second-place finish in the Clark (G2) at Churchill Downs in November in just his fifth career start and second in four months. His dad Street Sense on the Kentucky Derby and trainer Cox won this race in 2021 with Horse of the Year Knicks Go.

Trademark

5

Trademark

5

Owner

BBN Racing, LLC (Ann Braxton Lynch)

Trainer

Victoria H. Oliver

Jockey

Fernando De La Cruz

ML

15-1

Skinny

Comes into the race off a victory in the Clark at Churchill Downs. His 2023 season also included second place finishes in the Lukas Classic (G2) at Churchill Downs and Iselin (G3) at Monmouth. Has two wins at the distance.

Grand Aspen

9

Grand Aspen

9

Owner

PRO Thoroughbred Enterprises, LLC (Michael Paulson)

Trainer

Todd A. Pletcher

Jockey

Jose Ortiz

ML

8-1

Skinny

Was game when losing by a neck in the Harlan’s Holiday (G3) at Gulfstream in December. That was his stakes debut. Raced twice as a 2-year-old in Kentucky but didn’t win his first race until August of last year. Should be close to the lead down the backstretch. His dad Dialed In won the Florida Derby.

Skippylongstocking

12

Skippylongstocking

12

Owner

Daniel Alonso

Trainer

Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.

Jockey

Tyler Gaffalione

ML

8-1

Skinny

Another Joseph runner and likely one of the favorites off a third-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. Was an easy winner of the Charles Town Classic (G2) in August. Finished seventh in last year’s Pegasus and was third in the 2021 Belmont Stakes (G1). Pretty versatile as far as running style.

Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational (G1)

2024 CHAMPION

Warm Heart (IRE)

9

Warm Heart (IRE)

9

Owner

Michael B. Tabor, Mrs. John Magnier, Derrick Smith and Westerberg Limited (Michael Kuessner)

Trainer

Aidan P. O'Brien

Jockey

Ryan Moore

ML

9-5

Skinny

The likely favorite. Was second, beaten a neck, in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1) and finished 2023 with a third-place finish in the Longines Hong Kong Vase (G1). She has five wins in 10 starts and is a Group 1 winner at Longchamp. This could be her last start before retiring. Classy filly.

I’M VERY BUSY

4

I’M VERY BUSY

4

Owner

Team Hanley, Richard Schermerhorn, Paul Braverman

Trainer

Chad Brown

Jockey

Irad Ortiz Jr.

ML

15-1

Skinny

Won his debut in style at Saratoga in 2022 before finishing second in the Pilgram (G2). But after a 10th in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) that year wasn’t seen again until last July. He was second in the Hill Prince (G2) last time out. Lightly raced, Brown trains. Plenty of upside remains.

Catnip

12

Catnip

12

Owner

Susan and John Moore

Trainer

Michael Stidham

Jockey

Frankie Dettori

ML

15-1

Skinny

This 5-year-old hasn’t run since finishing eighth in the Arlington Million in August. Was second in the United Nations (G1) and won the Monmouth (G3) over the summer. The son of Kitten’s Joy gets the great Dettori in the saddle, so that could be something to think about.

Atone

1

Atone

1

Owner

Three Diamonds Farm

Trainer

Mike Maker

Jockey

Paco Lopez

ML

20-1

Skinny

Another who has gone winless (in this case, six starts) since winning this race last year. The defending champ was a good third here in December. The 7-year-old could be rounding back into form for trainer Maker, who has won this race twice.

Integration

3

Integration

3

Owner

West Point Thoroughbreds and Woodford Racing, LLC

Trainer

Claude R. McGaughey III

Jockey

Tyler Gaffalione

ML

3-1

Skinny

This is an undefeated, $700,000 yearling trained by Hall of Famer McGaughey. He’s won his three starts by a combined 12 ¾ lengths and comes off an impressive five-length victory in the Hill Prince. His mom Harmonize was a Grade 1 winner on the turf, and his dad Quality Road won the Florida Derby and Donn Handicap (now Pegasus). Crazy potential.

Webslinger

5

Webslinger

5

Owner

D. J. Stable, LLC (Leonard Green)

Trainer

Mark E. Casse

Jockey

Edgard Zayas

ML

15-1

Skinny

Incredibly consistent 4-year-old with a record of 4-4-2 in 13 career starts. Has traveled from Florida to New York to Kentucky to California and has maintained his form. Was second in the Hollywood Derby (G1) and Saratoga Derby (G1) and won the American Turf (G2). Usually likes to run late. Always dangerous.

Kingmax (IRE)

6

Kingmax (IRE)

6

Owner

AMO Racing USA (Kiavash Joorabchian)

Trainer

Jorge Delgado

Jockey

David Egan

ML

12-1

Skinny

Raced in England at two and three before winning his first two starts in the U.S. at Monmouth over the summer. Missed winning by a head in the Fort Lauderdale and was a half-length in front of Jerry the Nipper. Should be running late.

Shirl’s Speight

10

Shirl’s Speight

10

Owner

Charles E. Fipke

Trainer

Roger L. Attfield

Jockey

Luis Saez

ML

15-1

Skinny

Trainer Attfield in the Hall of Fame. Owner Fipke was fourth in this race last year with Lady Speightspeare. Was second in the Woodbine Mile (G2) in September. Last victory was in the 2022 Maker’s Mark Mile (G1) at Keeneland. Finished eighth in the Breeders’ Cup Mile last time out but beaten less than three lengths.

Jerry The Nipper

2

Jerry The Nipper

2

Owner

Repole Stable

Trainer

Todd Pletcher

Jockey

Jose Ortiz

ML

20-1

Skinny

His last race, and 20th start, was his first against graded company and resulted in a third-place finish in the Fort Lauderdale (G2) behind Main Event and Kingmax, both entered here. Trainer Pletcher has won the race twice with Colonel Liam and has finished second twice. He’s a longshot, but he’s finished first, second or third 17 times that he’s raced

Adhamo (IRE)

7

Adhamo (IRE)

7

Owner

Louis Lazzinnaro LLC, Madaket Stables LLC, Caruso, Michael J. and Dubb, Michael

Trainer

Chad C. Brown

Jockey

Flavien Pratt

ML

12-1

Skinny

Has gone winless in five starts since winning the 2022 United Nations (G1). Was third in the Canadian International (G1) and Arlington Million (G1) before finishing 10th in the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) in November. Trainer Brown won this race in 2019 with Horse of the Year Bricks and Mortar

Main Event

11

Main Event

11

Owner

Harrell Ventures, LLC (Curtis F. Harrell)

Trainer

George Weaver

Jockey

Javier Castellano

ML

10-1

Skinny

Has won three of four races over Gulfstream’s turf course, including the Fort Lauderdale, and is two for three at the distance. Dad Bernardini won the Preakness (G1) and Travers (G1). Mom Total Knockout never raced.

Master Piece (CHI)

8

Master Piece (CHI)

8

Owner

Michael and Jules Iavarone, Nicholas Zoumas, Vape-wh (Dino Baccari), Frank Argano and Ten Twenty Racing (Peter James Douglass)

Trainer

Sydney Dutrow

Jockey

Jose Lezcano

ML

8-1

Skinny

Finished seventh in this race last year and enters the race off an upset victory in the Red Smith (G2) at Aqueduct. Was a Group 2 winner in Chile where he was bred and raced in 2019-2020. Has a victory and second in three starts for new trainer Dutrow.

TAA Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf Invitational (G2)

2024 CHAMPION

Didia (ARG)

9

Didia (ARG)

9

Owner

Merriebelle Stable

Trainer

Ignacio Correas, IV

Jockey

Jose L. Ortiz

ML

6-1

Skinny

Wasn’t a factor in November in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1) but won the Rodeo Driver (G2) and Modesty (G3) earlier in the year and was second in the New York Stakes (G1). Started her career in Argentina. Has been training at Keeneland

Surpisingly

12

Surpisingly

12

Owner

Repole Stable (Mike Repole)

Trainer

Todd A. Pletcher

Jockey

Oisin Murphy

ML

20-1

Skinny

This mare has been running against top company, with second or third place finishes in the Beaugay (G3), Eatontown (G3) and Matchmaker (G3). She hasn’t run since August when finishing off the board in the Ballston Spa (G2) at Saratoga. She’s been steadily working at Palm Beach Downs since early December.

Ruby Nell

6

Ruby Nell

6

Owner

Spendthrift Farm, LLC (Eric P. Gustavson)

Trainer

Richard E. Mandella

Jockey

Lanfranco Dettori

ML

8-1

Skinny

This daughter of Bolt d’Oro sold for $1.2 million as a 2-year-old. She won the Autumn Miss (G3) at Santa Anita in November, was fifth at Del Mar in the Matriarch (G1) in December and enters off a victory in the Lake of Shamrock back at Santa Anita New Year’s Eve. Trainer Mandella elected to Hall of Fame in 2001.

Fluffy Socks

7

Fluffy Socks

7

Owner

Head of Plains Partners LLC (Richard Rosenberg)

Trainer

Chad C. Brown

Jockey

Irad Ortiz, Jr.

ML

9-2

Skinny

Very consistent and game mare. Fifteen of her 22 starts have come against graded company and has five wins and nine seconds in 21 turf appearances. She takes after her dad, Slumber, another game and consistent runner who was a Grade 1 winner on turf

Mission Of Joy

11

Mission Of Joy

11

Owner

RyZan Sun Racing, LLC and Madaket Stables LLC

Trainer

H. Graham Motion

Jockey

John R. Velazquez

ML

10-1

Skinny

Will make her 4-year-old debut and first start since finishing third in the Queen Elizabeth II (G1) at Keeneland in October. The daughter of leading sire Kitten’s Joy has won four of her eight turf starts and trainer Motion is 20 percent off this kind of layoff.

Chili Flag (FR)

2

Chili Flag (FR)

2

Owner

Madaket Stable LLC, Michael Dubb, Michael Kisber

Trainer

Chad C. Brown

Jockey

Flavien Prat

ML

20-1

Skinny

Has started six times since arriving in the U.S. from France and hasn’t been worse than third. Enters this race off a victory in the Forever Together at Aqueduct in November. Trainer Brown is highly successful trainer, especially on the turf.

Sister Lou Ann

10

Sister Lou Ann

10

Owner

Kenneth L. Ramsey

Trainer

Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.

Jockey

Paco Lopez

ML

20-1

Skinny

The current leading owner, trainer and jockey are all associated with Sister Lou Ann, third last time out in the Suwannee River (G3). Has two wins in 11 turf starts. The 5-year-old should be close to the pace.

Accomplished Girl

3

Accomplished Girl

3

Owner

Gentry Farms (Anthony Gentry)

Trainer

Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.

Jockey

Edgard J. Zayas

ML

20-1

Skinny

This lightly raced 4-year-old has three wins and two seconds in her last six starts. She won the Presque Isle Masters (G2) over a synthetic surface before finishing second over the turf at Gulfstream Dec. 30 in the Suwannee River (G3). Seems to be getting good at the right time.

CAIRO CONSORT

1

CAIRO CONSORT

1

Owner

Town and Country Racing, LLC, Repole Stable

Trainer

Todd Pletcher

Jockey

Ryan L. Moore

ML

15-1

Skinny

Won the Ginger Brew and Sweetest Chant (G3) over Gulfstream’s turf course last winter. Was off from May to December before returning to finish fourth, beaten a length, in the Tropical Park Oaks. Trainer Pletcher is close to 30-percent second time off a layoff.

Star Fortress (IRE)

4

Star Fortress (IRE)

4

Owner

John D. Gunther and Eurowest Bloodstock Services (Tanya Gunther)

Trainer

Cherie DeVaux

Jockey

Luis Saez

ML

5-2

Skinny

Made her first seven starts in the U.K. before winning her U.S. debut at Churchill Downs by 10 – yes – 10 lengths in the Cardinal (G3) in November. The 5-year-old mare sold as a weanling for $176,234 and is by multiple Group 1 turf winner Sea The Stars. Sure to draw attention.

Queen Goddess

8

Queen Goddess

8

Owner

Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners (Aron Wellman) and Gary Barber

Trainer

Michael W. McCarthy

Jockey

Tyler Gaffalione

ML

6-1

Skinny

California-based trainer McCarthy has success when he comes to Gulfstream. He won the Princess Rooney (G2) twice with Ce Ce and the 2019 Pegasus World Cup (G1) with City of Light. Queen Goddess finished third in this race last year and she’s 5-3-2 in 13 turf starts. This is a Grade 1 winner and a mare who’s always in the mix.