The $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational (G1T) will celebrate its new winner January 28 at Gulfstream Park like two years of reign of Colonel Liam ended last week when he retired. In his place, a highly competitive 12-man field, with two entrants also qualifying, will be entangled in the first, but certainly not the last, big game of the year. .
first. Craftiness (Morning Odds 8-1): The 4-year-old boy finished quickly and almost won 1st place in the Hollywood Derby. This will be his first race with older horses and although drawing the rails is a big boost, he will need to take a step forward to become a major player in this difficult field.
RACE: Jose Ortiz; TEACHER: Todd Pletcher
2. Good governance (15-1): Having some trouble and regrouping to finish fourth at Ft. Lauderdale Stakes (G2T), an important preparation step for this race. He led 65-1 in that race and should have been a long shot, but he could have had a say in the outcome with a clean ride.
RACE: Shaun Bridgmohan; TEACHER: Anna Meah
3. Expiate (12-1): Great effort in this stake last year, ranked fourth. Put on a stellar performance to win the allowance race in his most recent start and with Irad Ortiz Jr. sitting in the saddle, he should be able to take the lead early or sit right after. He thinks it is difficult to overhaul in the long run.
RACE: Irad Ortiz Jr.; TEACHER: Mike Maker
4. storm dream (15-1): Debuted in the US after scoring some good efforts in the European group shares. He seems to do his best to run on solid courses, which adds to his appeal. Without a prominent American star in the field, it would be unwise to overlook such a talented foreign shipper, especially with Frankie Dettori on board.
RACE: Frankie Dettori; TEACHER: Graham Motion
5. One more bid (20-1): Win Miles (G2T) at Santa Anita . Park like a big step forward, but on the rise and could be a factor if he handles the extra stretch here with confidence. It seems a bit bland on spice as he broke his maidenhood just two times ago.
RACE: Mike Smith; TEACHER: Ryan Hanson
6. Lady Speightspeare (6-1): This 5-year-old mare is definitely qualified to compete here after finishing third in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf (G1T). Her speed numbers in that race were as good as anyone else in the field could muster, and the female runners performed pretty well against their male counterparts last year. Definitely deserves a review here.
RACER: Luis Saez; Coach: Roger Attfield
7. Scout (8-1): Win the Hollywood Derby and like the third-place finisher Wit, face the older horses for the first time. Looks like he could use a little more spice before facing elite opponents in a race like this.
RACING: Paco Lopez; TEACHER: Graham Motion
8. Who is the star? (20-1): The ships from Canada performed well, winning three games in a row, even though it all took place on synthetic turf at Woodbine. He has won 2 of his 3 starts on grass, but he failed in a solitary graded bet attempt on grass, raising some questions about his standing in the field. .
RACE: Emma-Jayne Wilson; TEACHER: Mark Casse
9. Decorated Invaders (15-1): Back in top form last time with a strong second place in Ft. Lauderdale shares. He hasn’t posted a classified bet win since 2020 but if he could repeat his last attempt he would be here.
RACE: Teenager Alvarado; TEACHER: Christophe Clement
ten. Ivar (5-2): He passed a series of three tier 1 races in which he finished fourth and second twice to make him the main contender. They’re all at the one-mile range, however, limited by the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1T), so there could be concerns about his chances at the one-mile and one-eighth.
AUCTION: Javier Castellano; TEACHER: Paulo Lobo
11. Masterpiece (10-1): Didn’t factor in the 1 1/2 mile Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1T), but Master Piece won tier 2 bets this distance in July 2022 at Del Mar. post and the lack of success at the 1st grade level against him.
RACE: Tyler Gaffalione; TEACHER: Saffie Joseph Jr.
twelfth. city man (4-1): He opened his eyes with a convincing win in Ft. Lauderdale Stakes has given him his best-loved look in this race. However, fate was not good with this highly consistent New Yorker hybrid when he landed in the outer position. He’ll need a great ride to avoid the kind of ground loss that could make the difference between winning and losing.
RACE: Joel Rosario; TEACHER: Christophe Clement
13. king cause (also qualified, 30-1): Will need a scratch to run. He will also need a big step up in the class after placing ninth in the Ft. Lauderdale.
RACE: Florent Geroux; TEACHER: Mike Maker
14. stable on (also eligible, 30-1): It will take two rakes to get to the starting gate. Back on the pitch here after a narrow loss on synthetic Tapeta Footings. Faced a tough challenge in his classified bet debut.
RACE: Irad Ortiz Jr.; TEACHER: Todd Pletcher
CHOOSE: Atonement
LIVE LONGSHOT: Stormy Dream
PRODUCT: 3-4-12-6
