Eight grade 1 winners received invitations to the $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) at Gulfstream Park Jan. 25, including 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mystik Dan and 2023 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) winner White Abarrio.
The initial list of invitations, which include 12 expected starters and eight reserves, was announced Jan. 1.
Mystik Dan was last seen finishing last of six in the Dec. 26 Malibu Stakes (G1) at Santa Anita Park in his first start since the June 8 Belmont Stakes (G1). That race was contested at seven furlongs, and both trainer Kenny McPeek and jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. expect a better effort while stretching out to 1 1/8 miles should the son of Goldencents race in the Pegasus.
Mystik Dan's McPeek stablemate Rattle N Roll, winner of the Nov. 29 Clark Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs in his second start off a year-long layoff, is also among the invitees.
White Abarrio also made his last start traveling seven furlongs, finishing a closing second after a slow start in the Dec. 28 Mr. Prospector Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park. His trainer, Saffie Joseph Jr., also has Skippylongstocking on the invitation list. It would be the career earner of $3 million's third time entering the Pegasus starting gate.
Last year's Pegasus runner-up, Senor Buscador, is also on the invitation list in what is expected to be his final start. Other invitees to the main field of 12 include Saudi Crown, Stronghold, Crupi, Locked, Imagination, Mixto and J B Strikes Back.
The eight alternates include: Newgrange, Red Route One, Power Squeeze, Rocket Can, Skinner, Steal Sunshine, Tumbarumba, and Cooke Creek.
Likewise, invitations were also extended for the $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1T) and the $500,000 Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G2T).
The Turf invitees include four grade 1 winners, including globetrotter Nations Pride. The son of Teofilo is a three-time grade 1 winner in North America, the most recent of which coming in the Arlington Million (G1T) at Colonial Downs in August. He was last seen finishing 10th in the Nov. 15 Bahrain International Trophy (G2).
Johannes, winner of the Shoemaker Mile Stakes (G1T) and runner-up in the Breeders' Cup Mile (G1T) in 2024, leads the American-based runners on the invitation list. Other invitees include Formidable Man, Win for the Money, Get Smokin, Grand Sonata, Major Dude, Integration, Mi Hermano Ramon, Battle of Normandy, Balnikhov, and Redistricting.
Alternates include: Running Bee, Spirit of St Louis, Fort Washington, Chasing the Crown, Astronomer, Atitlan, Cabo Spirit, and Gigante.
The Filly & Mare Turf field has international flavor on its invite list that includes South African group 1 winner Bless My Stars, who makes her second United States start for Gary Barber and Team Valor International, and Chilean group 1 winner Dona Clota, who makes her American debut for Resolute Racing. Resolute also received an invite for two-time grade 3 winner Pounce.
Grade 1 winners She Feels Pretty and Sacred Wish lead the American contingent. The remainder of invitees include: Raqiya, Fluffy Socks, Prerequisite, Be Your Best, Minoushka, and Mrs. Astor.
Alternates include Breath Away, See You Around, In Our Time, De Regreso, Papilio, Watchtower, and Ribaltagaia.
