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| Staff Writer |
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Nations Pride heads stateside seeking a remarkable fifth top-level victory in Saturday's Gr.1 Pegasus World Cup Turf at Gulfstream Park. The Charlie Appleby-trained 6YO has become a familiar face on American soil, with an impressive collection of major wins already secured.
The Teofilo entire first announced himself in the US by landing the Gr.1 Saratoga Derby and Gr.3 Jockey Club Derby in 2022. His globetrotting exploits continued with triumph in Germany's Gr.1 Grosser Dallmayr-Preis before returning to secure the Gr.1 Canadian International.
After finishing third to Silver Knott in the Gr.2 Man O War Stakes, he chased home Measured Time in the Gr.1 Manhattan Stakes. Victory followed in the Gr.1 Arlington Million at Colonial Downs, though his most recent outing in the Gr.2 Bahrain International Trophy proved disappointing.
"Nations Pride was disappointing in Bahrain, but I think you can put a line through both his runs there. He's back on a left-handed track here and looks to have conditions to suit at Gulfstream Park," said Appleby. "He goes into this in great shape and can hopefully run to the same level he showed in the Arlington Million. We are popping cheekpieces on just because he is dropping back to nine furlongs, and we want to keep him sharp. He looks like a worthy favourite and the one they have to beat."
The Godolphin handler also saddles Bold Act in the Gr.3 William L McKnight Stakes. The consistent performer claimed the Gr.2 Dubai City Of Gold at Meydan before a string of placed efforts in America, including the Gr.3 Sycamore Stakes.
Completing the yard's strong hand is Beautiful Love, who contests the Gr.3 La Prevoyante Stakes. The Siyouni filly captured the Gr.3 Jockey Club Oaks at Aqueduct and ran a creditable fourth in the Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Del Mar.