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| Staff Writer |
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National Treasure showcased his potential for a remarkable 2024 by securing a neck victory over Senor Buscador in the US$3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational at Gulfstream Park. The Bob Baffert-trained colt, a Preakness winner, displayed resilience and speed, setting a lively pace to overcome rivals. Jockey Flavien Prat efficiently guided National Treasure, keeping him in control throughout. Senor Buscador, known for late runs, made a gradual approach but fell just short in the final stretch.
Trainer Baffert expressed pride in National Treasure's performance, emphasizing the horse's growth and maturity. Despite a strong challenge from Senor Buscador, Baffert had confidence in his colt's ability to maintain the lead. National Treasure, a son of Quality Road, completed the nine-furlong race in 1:50.51, earning a 105 Beyer Speed Figure.
While Senor Buscador's late push impressed, First Mission, a contender, disappointed and finished ninth. National Treasure's victory marks a promising start to the year, leaving the next steps to be decided after consultation with the ownership group. The Pegasus World Cup program saw a total handle of US$47.32 million, reflecting a 7.8 percent increase over the 2023 Pegasus card.
In a stunning victory, filly Warm Heart concluded her illustrious career with a triumphant performance in the Gr.1, US$1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf at Gulfstream Park. Jockey Ryan Moore guided the 4YO daughter of Galileo to a half-length win over 11 male competitors, utilizing a rail-skimming strategy. The Coolmore-owned Warm Heart, trained by Aidan O'Brien, secured her third victory in a Group or Grade 1 event, amassing a career total of $2,194,993 in earnings. Retirement awaits the talented filly, with plans to breed her to Justify in the upcoming winter.
With a record of six wins from 11 starts, Warm Heart's impressive journey included a third-place finish in the Group 1 Hong Kong Vase and a narrow defeat in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf. In the Pegasus World Cup Turf, a swift pace was set by Main Event, allowing Warm Heart to stay close. Moore navigated the filly skillfully, finding an opening along the rail at the top of the lane. The determined Warm Heart surged through, fending off late competition from I’m Very Busy.
Trainer Aidan O'Brien expressed delight over the victory, acknowledging Moore's exceptional ride. The filly's remarkable career concludes on a high note, leaving a legacy of class and resilience on the turf. With plans for Warm Heart's retirement and future breeding, her contributions to the racing world will extend beyond the track. The Pegasus World Cup Turf saw a course record-breaking performance, with Warm Heart completing the 1 1/8 miles over firm turf in 1:44.45.
Didia surpassed US$1 million in earnings by winning the Gr.2 Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf at Gulfstream Park. The 5YO Argentine-bred mare, trained by Ignacio “Nacho” Correas IV, was initially planned to stay close to the early pace but ended up battling for the lead.
Jockey Jose Ortiz guided Didia to victory, holding off Surprisingly by a neck. The win marked Didia's 10th career victory in 15 starts, and her earnings now exceed $1,074,000. Owned by Merriebelle Stable OF Charles Noell III, Didia's success included a Rodeo Drive win at Santa Anita last October. Trainer Correas expressed surprise at Didia's versatility, contemplating her next target: the Grade 1 Jenny Wiley at Keeneland on April 13.
Correas initially envisioned Didia sitting a few lengths off a fast pace set by Ruby Nell. However, Didia showed good speed away from the gate, positioning herself right off Accomplished Girl. Despite duelling for the lead, Didia held off Surprisingly and covered the 1 1/16 miles in 1:40.90. A 99 Beyer Speed Figure complemented the win.