The Pegasus World Cup- Grade I

GP Race 12  1 1/8M  Dirt

Purse $500.000 For Four Year

 Olds and Upward

1^st Sporty Greyjoy, trained by Saratoga Stud

Was able to settle in to the 3 path about five lengths off the lead but had 10 horses to navigate his way around. Continued in his position down the backstretch while the pacesetter set very fast fractions for the half and 6F. Started to advance on the turn as Castellano expertly weaved his way through traffic. Was pushed a little wider midway through the turn but had a clear path turning for home. Slowly picked off rivals and was able to get up by the slimmest of margins.

2^nd How to Laff, trained by Serenity Stables

Used his post position to his advantage and saved all the ground around the first turn while sitting 3 lengths from the front.  Stalked the fast pace down the backstretch and slowly started to advance entering the turn. Angled out into the two path halfway around the turn and started what looked like a winning move has he took the lead at the top of the stretch. Fought on gamely but got caught on the last jump.

3^rd Steel Will, trained by Defoe

Got right to the rail five lengths from the lead in a pack that included the eventual winner. Saved ground all the way around as he did not have to move off the rail until he entered the stretch. Followed the move by How To Laff and was gaining steadily at the wire.

4^th Edwin Drood, trained by Sanny Village

Dropped all the way back to 13^th to get to the rail and save ground. Stayed on the rail all the way around the track but left himself too much to do and was a fast closing fourth.

Summary

As is often the case here at HRP in these big full field stakes races it is usually about who gets the best trip and post rather than who is the best horse. That is not to take anything away from the winner who certainly proved that he belongs with the best on the site. Several of the big names had traffic issues and others were caught up in a fast pace due to their posts. It was also interesting to see that the 2^nd,3^rd and 4^th place finishers all saved ground and came up the rail. I look forward to seeing these battles unfold in future events.

Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES