January 2, 2025
FLORIDA — By Sean Collins
Eight grade 1 winners received invitations to the $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) at Gulfstream Park Jan. 25, including 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mystik Dan and 2023 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) winner White Abarrio .
The initial list of invitations, which include 12 expected starters and eight reserves, was announced Jan. 1.
Mystik Dan was last seen finishing last of six in the Dec. 26 Malibu Stakes (G1) at Santa Anita Park in his first start since the June 8 Belmont Stakes (G1). That race was contested at seven furlongs, and both trainer Kenny McPeek and jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. expect a better effort while stretching out to 1 1/8 miles should the son of Goldencents race in the Pegasus.
Mystik Dan’s McPeek stablemate Rattle N Roll , winner of the Nov. 29 Clark Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs in his second start off a year-long layoff, is also among the invitees.
White Abarrio also made his last start traveling seven furlongs, finishing a closing second after a slow start in the Dec. 28 Mr. Prospector Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park. His trainer, Saffie Joseph Jr., also has Skippylongstocking on the invitation list. It would be the career earner of $3 million’s third time entering the Pegasus starting gate.
Read the full story here on bloodhorse.com
