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Mixto and Stronghold have completed vital preparatory work at Santa Anita Park, recording impressive five-furlong breezes ahead of their anticipated clash in the Gr.1 Pegasus World Cup Invitational at Gulfstream Park on January 25. Phil D'Amato's Stronghold, victorious in the 2024 Gr.1 Santa Anita Derby, clocked 1:01 2/5, while Doug O'Neill's Pacific Classic hero Mixto registered 1:02 3/5.
Kentucky Derby champion Mystik Dan, trained by Kenny McPeek, has demonstrated his wellbeing with a sharp five-furlong workout in :59.48 at Gulfstream Park. The son of Goldencents is seeking redemption following his sixth-place finish in the Gr.1 Malibu Stakes at Santa Anita Park.
"We wanted a nice, solid breeze out of him so he got something out of it," McPeek said. "It was a good next step. One more work next week, either Friday or Saturday, I haven't decided, and then we'll make a decision whether we're going to go or not."
Power Squeeze, the sole filly targeting the prestigious contest, has pleased connections with her five-furlong exercise in 1:01.73. Trained by Jorge Delgado for Lea Farms, the Alabama Stakes heroine enters the race following a creditable second in the Rampart Stakes at Gulfstream.
"She went very nice," reported Delgado. "She breezed really strong and the gallop out was what we expected. She did it really easy. She goes the distance really well. The last race there was a slow pace and the small field didn't help her, but it sets her up for this race."
Meanwhile, Pegasus alternate Steal Sunshine, winner of the Gr.2 Gulfstream Park Mile, recorded 1:01.52 for five furlongs. Fellow aspirant Saudi Crown completed four furlongs in :50 at Payson Park Training Center.
The US$1m Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational preparations saw Balnikhov work five furlongs in :59 3/5 for D'Amato, while reserves Astronomer and Atitlan recorded :47 3/5 and 1:01 respectively. Siege of Boston logged :47.95 for a half-mile on grass at Palm Meadows, where Infinite Diamond prepared for the US$500,000 Filly & Mare Turf with a five-furlong turf breeze in 1:01.65.
The post-position draw will take place at Gulfstream Park's Carousel Club, with entries being taken on January 26.