The prestigious Pegasus World Cup Invitational, set to take place at Gulfstream Park this Saturday, is poised to showcase some of the finest thoroughbreds in the racing world. Among the notable contenders is Mystik Dan, a 4-year-old horse who made headlines with his Kentucky Derby victory last year. Trainer Ken McPeek now seeks another pinnacle moment as he prepares Mystik Dan for this $3-million event. The competition will feature an array of top-tier horses, including previous champions and Grade 1 winners. With a total purse exceeding $5.5 million across multiple races, the day promises to be thrilling for both participants and spectators alike.
Trainer Ken McPeek reflects on the exhilarating triumph of Mystik Dan at the Kentucky Derby, describing it as an unparalleled achievement. However, the journey since has been marked by challenges. Following the Derby win and a commendable second-place finish in the Preakness Stakes, Mystik Dan's performance waned, notably with an eighth-place finish in the Belmont Stakes and a sixth-place showing in the Malibu Stakes after a prolonged break. McPeek attributes these setbacks to unfavorable track conditions and logistical issues. Now, as Mystik Dan prepares for the Pegasus World Cup, McPeek hopes the change in venue will suit the horse better. "We believe this racetrack will provide a more favorable surface," McPeek stated, emphasizing the importance of finding where Mystik Dan fits best as he transitions from a promising 3-year-old to a competitive 4-year-old.
Joining Mystik Dan in the race are several formidable competitors. Todd Pletcher, the trainer behind the 2022 Pegasus winner Life Is Good, enters two strong contenders: Locked and Crupi. Locked, a son of Gun Runner, boasts impressive recent performances, including victories in allowance and graded stakes races. Crupi, a seasoned 6-year-old, brings consistent results and solid training form into the mix. Meanwhile, Saffie Joseph Jr., leading trainer at Gulfstream, fields White Abarrio and Skippylongstocking. White Abarrio, a champion with over $5 million in earnings, aims to leverage home-track advantage, while Skippylongstocking seeks redemption after previous Pegasus disappointments. Additionally, Power Squeeze, a filly making history by competing against males for the first time since 2018, adds intrigue to the field. Trained by Jorge Delgado, she comes off a strong performance in the Rampart Stakes and is ready to prove her mettle.
Other notable entries include Saudi Crown, trained by Brad Cox, who enters fresh off a victory in the Tenacious Stakes; Mixto and Stronghold, shipping in from California; and Newgrange, making his comeback after a six-month hiatus. These horses bring diverse backgrounds and unique stories to the event, ensuring a competitive and exciting race day. As the post time approaches, all eyes will be on which horse can rise to the occasion and claim victory in this high-stakes showdown.
The upcoming Pegasus World Cup Invitational marks a significant milestone for many participants, especially for Mystik Dan and his team. This race offers not only a chance for redemption but also an opportunity to reestablish Mystik Dan as a dominant force in the sport. With a field full of accomplished athletes and a rich history of memorable moments, the stage is set for another chapter of thrilling horseracing. Fans and enthusiasts alike eagerly anticipate witnessing which horse will emerge victorious and etch its name in the annals of racing history.