Kentucky Derby winner MYSTIK DAN, Breeders’ Cup Classic winner WHITE ABARRIO and up-and-comer LOCKED make for a super PEGASUS WORLD CUP (G1), worth $3 million, Saturday at Gulfstream.
Race 13 is the World Cup at 1 1/8 miles on the dirt and with the very short run to the first turn, the race plays almost like a one-turn mile. A horse needs speed to stay in range to win this race.
However, there seems to be plenty of pace in this year’s 12-horse field and that is why I am giving #5 CRUPI a chance to be in the top two at the finish of this rich race. This guy is a deep closer, very deep. He was third in the Pegasus last year coming from 12th and last at 34-to-1.
I don’t think he needs to be that far back and I love his 3-2-2 record from 11 races at the distance.
Three Pegasus horses I like: 5 – CRUPI; 11 – LOCKED; 1 – MIXTO
More races
RACE 8 – FRED W. HOOPER STAKES – Grade 3, 1 mile
Finally! #5 TUMBARUMBA will race without his blinkers. The last time he ran without blinkers he was on the grass, a surface he does not seem to like.
Yes, this guy has been second five times in his last six starts (!!) but maybe now that he can see his rivals next to him, he might win a photo!
Race 10 – PEGASUS WORLD CUP FILLY & MARE TURF
If PAPILIO, #8, can have some better luck with traffic, she is a contender at 8-to-1. She is trained by Mark Casse and isn’t far off the top ones such as Sacred Wish and Bless My Stars.
Race 11 – INSIDE INFORMATION STAKES – GRADE 2
Ontario-bred #5 Dazzling Move is in tough, but she could hit the trifecta. The top one in the race is Emery.
Race 12 – PEGASUS WORLD CUP TURF – GRADE 1
Great betting race!
Woodbine Mile (G1) winner WIN FOR THE MONEY (#4) needs a precise ride at this distance, but he loves Gulfstream turf.
#5 INTEGRATION is a superior horse and #8 SPIRIT OF ST LOUIS is big odds, but worth a look; he loves to win.