Top Invitees to Watch Out For At The 2024 Pegasus World Cup

The upcoming Pegasus World Cup 2024 is quickly approaching! This highly respected horse race in South Florida will once again be held at Gulfstream Park on Sunday, January 27th. With a total of $14.875 million in purses, there’s a lot of anticipation and excitement surrounding this prestigious event.

As racing enthusiasts gear up for the event, all eyes will be on the top invitees. In this article, we’ll round up the top contenders who will vie for supremacy and aim to etch their names in the annals of Pegasus World Cup history. Check them out here:

Master of Seas

One of the top Pegasus World Cup contenders is Master of the Seas. This Irish-bred horse has established an impressive record with eight victories in 16 lifetime starts, accumulating earnings exceeding $2.2 million.

This exceptional equine athlete recently showcased its prowess by making a remarkable comeback from a trailing position to secure a significant win in the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) on the grass at Santa Anita last November.

Known for its speed, stamina, and strategic racing acumen, Master of the Seas has proven to be a formidable competitor on the turf. The horse’s ability to navigate challenging courses and emerge victorious in prestigious events underscores its status as a top-tier racehorse.

Atone

The next primary contender anticipated in the Pegasus Turf is the defending race champion, Atone. This seasoned 7-year-old gelding boasts seven wins and $1.3 million in earnings from a total of 29 career starts.

Atone’s achievements extend beyond his Pegasus Turf success. He also had great placements in four other graded stakes races. Notable among these are his second-place finishes in the 2021 Fort Lauderdale (G2) at Gulfstream and the 2022 Forbidden Apple (G3) and Mint Million (G3).

However, it’s noteworthy that Atone has yet to secure a victory in any of his six starts since his triumphant performance in the previous race edition. Despite being the reigning titleholder, Atone faces the challenge of breaking a winless streak, adding an element of intrigue and uncertainty to his bid for success in the upcoming Pegasus Turf event.

Therapist

Atone’s stablemate Therapist is also on the list of invitees for the 2024 Pegasus World Cup. He was pushed by Trainer Mike Maker, who secured his initial triumph in the Pegasus Turf with Zulu Alpha in 2020.

Owned by Michael Dubb, Therapist boasts an impressive record as a 14-time winner, accumulating over $1.3 million in purse earnings. The seasoned horse has claimed victory in nine stakes races, achieving Grade 1 status with a notable win in the United Nations on July 22. Additionally, Therapist displayed prowess by securing the 2018 Cutler Bay at Gulfstream, further enhancing his credentials as a formidable contender in high-profile turf competitions.

Warm Heart

Another invitee from Europe besides Master of Seas is the Irish-bred 4-year-old filly Warm Heart. This talented equine athlete ventured to North America for her only start in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1) on November 4, narrowly finishing second by a neck to the favored Inspiral.

Prior to her impressive performance in the United States, Warm Heart won the Qatar Prix Vermeille (G1) at Longchamp and Yorkshire Oaks (G1). Her international racing resume further extends to her commendable third-place finish in the Hong Kong Vase (G1) just last month.

Saudi Crown

Saudi Crown, the offspring of Always Dreaming, has earned its Grade 1 credentials through a noteworthy victory in the $1-million Pennsylvania Derby (G1) at Parx. Despite facing a formidable field, the horse demonstrated both speed and stamina, securing a Grade 1 title.

The early chapters of Saudi Crown’s racing career featured consecutive victories, establishing the horse as a rising star. Following its initial success, the 4-year-old runner delivered strong performances, finishing second in both the Dwyer (G3) at Belmont and the Jim Dandy (G2) at Saratoga.

However, it faced a challenging moment in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Santa Anita, where it finished off the board, representing its only performance falling below the second-place mark. This setback, however, serves as a testament to the competitive nature of top-tier horse racing.

Adhamo

Adhamo, owned by Madaket Stables, Louis Lazzinnaro, Michael Caruso, and Michael Dubb, is under the tutelage of renowned trainer Chad Brown. Notably, Brown secured victory in the inaugural Pegasus Turf in 2019 with the eventual Horse of the Year, Bricks and Mortar.

This 6-year-old Irish-bred horse is considered a Group 3 winner in France. Apart from Europe, this promising horse has participated in nine races in North America, the last eight being Grade 1 events. Among his notable accomplishments is a triumph in the 2022 United Nations. It has also clinched victories in the Hollywood Derby (G1) and the Saratoga Derby Invitational (G1) in 2023.

Final Thoughts

All these horses have top-tier talent and impressive track records and achievements, making them top contenders for the Pegasus World Cup. Note that this list is not exhaustive, and the dynamic nature of horse racing can introduce new contenders and developments. Make sure to keep yourself informed about the newest updates and entries in order to fully enjoy the unfolding events of the Pegasus World Cup.