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| Staff Writer |
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White Abarrio is preparing for another tilt at Gulfstream Park glory as the former Gr.1 Florida Derby hero headlines a competitive renewal of the US$3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational at the Florida track on 25 January.
The grey son of Race Day enjoyed remarkable success under trainer Richard Dutrow, capturing both the Gr.1 Whitney Stakes at Saratoga Race Course and the US$6 million Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita Park, before returning to trainer Saffie Joseph Jr following two disappointing runs in 2024.
Since rejoining Joseph's yard, White Abarrio has shown encouraging signs, landing a commanding allowance victory before finishing second in the Gr.3 Mr. Prospector Stakes behind Mufasa. Drawing post 4, he will be ridden by regular partner Irad Ortiz Jr.
"We're very happy with him," Joseph said. "He had an amazing work [Jan. 9]. He seems to be a horse who's giving all the signs that he's going into the race to run his best."
"Anytime you don't have to ship a horse and can run on your home track, I think it's an advantage. I definitely think running out of your stall is a plus. We're happy with where we're at. If everything continues to go well, I think he has a very good chance to win the Pegasus."
The field features Kentucky Derby victor Mystik Dan, who is seeking redemption after two subpar performances from post 9 under Brian Hernandez Jr. Trainer Kenny McPeek remains optimistic about his charge's chances despite recent setbacks.
"Some horses go from being a good 3YO to a good older horse, and that's a challenge," McPeek noted. "Will he transcend from a very good 3YO to a very good 4YO? The [Malibu] wasn't ideal. But it's a long year and we have several races to see where he fits."
The race has attracted other notable contenders including Gr.1 Pennsylvania Derby winner Saudi Crown, trained by Brad Cox and drawn in post 3, and the impressive Locked, who enters the contest from post 11 on the back of a victory in the Gr.2 Cigar Mile for trainer Todd Pletcher. Pletcher also saddles outsider Crupi in the prestigious contest.
Joseph's second runner, Skippylongstocking, a multiple graded stakes winner with earnings exceeding US$3 million, will attempt to improve upon his previous Pegasus World Cup performances from post 10 under Tyler Gaffalione, having been pulled up last year and finishing seventh in 2023.
The post position draw has handed White Abarrio an advantageous position in stall four under Irad Ortiz Jr, with pace-setter Saudi Crown drawn just inside him in gate three. Mystik Dan and Brian Hernandez Jr will break from stall nine, whilst Skippylongstocking, seeking his first victory in the contest, partners Tyler Gaffalione from gate ten. Morning-line favourite Locked faces a wider journey from stall eleven under regular pilot [jockey name not provided in original], whilst his stablemate Crupi must also overcome a challenging draw [exact post position not provided in original].
On the turf front, the US$1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational sees Integration seeking compensation for last year's disappointing run. The Shug McGaughey-trained runner faces stiff competition from global Group One winner Nations Pride, representing Godolphin and trainer Charlie Appleby.
The impressive card features seven graded races with combined purses of US$5.5 million, with television coverage provided by NBC from 4:30 p.m. ET. The Pegasus World Cup has established itself as one of North America's premier winter racing events, attracting an international field of top-class performers to the sunshine state.