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| Staff Writer |
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As older American runners retire, Godolphin's First Mission emerges as a strong contender for major prizes in early 2024. The horse has been nominated for the Saudi Cup and is a likely contender for the Dubai World Cup if it continues to perform well. Its first target, however, could be the Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes at Gulfstream Park in about two weeks, which is considered the most successful American prep for Dubai's primary event.
Trainer Brad Cox has been training First Mission to perfection, and the horse is poised to dominate in the 1800m Pegasus. First Mission recorded a bullet workout at Fair Grounds on 13th January, clocking 1:00 for 1000m and tying with graded winner Confidence Game for the fastest move from 50 workers at the same distance for the second week in a row.
“He looked fantastic this morning,” Cox reported the following day when First Mission returned to the track to jog a mile.
“Overall, we are super pleased with how he’s moving and how he physically looks and how he is acting. I think he’s set up for a big run to start his four-year-old season.”
Due to a setback, First Mission has only competed in five races to date. Unfortunately, the horse missed an intended start in the classic Preakness Stakes last May. In his most recent race, he finished just behind older horse Trademark, losing by a nose, in the Grade 2 Clark Handicap at Churchill Downs on 4th November. First Mission may have the opportunity to race against Trademark again in the Pegasus.
Trainer Brad Cox and Godolphin are optimistic about First Mission's potential and believe that the horse is ready to take the next big step in his career. Although they have not disclosed any specific targets other than the Pegasus, they may consider aiming for major trophies in Dubai and/or Riyadh.
“He’s so lightly raced you’d think he’s going to improve physically and mentally and just figure out the game as he goes,” Cox related.
“We think he’s a tremendous talent and we’re excited about 2024.”