The prestigious $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) is set to take place on Saturday, January 25, at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida. This race, open to horses aged four and up, covers a distance of 1 1/8 miles. One of the notable contenders this year is Saudi Crown, who has garnered attention for his potential performance and strategic preparation leading up to this event. Trainer Brad Cox has carefully considered Saudi Crown's participation, viewing the Pegasus World Cup as a crucial step toward the upcoming $20 million Saudi Cup. The horse's recent victory in the Tenacious Stakes at Fair Grounds adds to the anticipation surrounding his performance.

Saudi Crown's Strategic Path to Pegasus

Trainer Brad Cox has meticulously planned Saudi Crown's campaign for the Pegasus World Cup. After a series of varied performances, including a commendable third place in the 2024 Saudi Cup and a win in the Tenacious Stakes, Saudi Crown is ready to showcase his prowess. Owned by Faisal Al Qahtani’s FMQ Stables, this five-year-old gray horse, sired by Always Dreaming, has demonstrated remarkable adaptability. With jockey Florent Geroux aboard, there's optimism that Saudi Crown can replicate his Grade 1 success from the 2023 Pennsylvania Derby. His most recent workout, covering 5 furlongs in 1:00.60 at Payson Park, suggests he is in peak condition for the challenge ahead.

The journey to the Pegasus World Cup has been methodical. Saudi Crown's last start, a victory in the Tenacious Stakes, provided a confidence boost. Despite some mixed results in previous races, such as finishing 12th in the Godolphin Mile (G2) and 13th in the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1), the horse has shown resilience. In races at the same distance as the Pegasus World Cup, Saudi Crown has proven competitive, narrowly losing to Forte in the 2023 Jim Dandy Stakes before triumphing in the Pennsylvania Derby. The strategic decision to enter him in the Pegasus World Cup aims to refine his form for the Saudi Cup, where higher stakes await.

A Closer Look at Saudi Crown's Profile

Saudi Crown brings a wealth of experience and pedigree to the Pegasus World Cup. Purchased for $240,000 at the Ocala Breeders’ Spring Sale, he has earned impressive career earnings totaling over $3 million. His running style as a front-runner adds an exciting dimension to his racing profile. With a top Equibase speed figure of 114, Saudi Crown possesses the speed and stamina required for high-stakes competition. The horse's connections, including trainer Brad Cox and jockey Florent Geroux, have a history of excellence, further enhancing his prospects.

Brad Cox, known for guiding Knicks Go to Horse of the Year honors in 2021 with a Pegasus World Cup victory, brings valuable expertise to Saudi Crown's campaign. Florent Geroux, who rode Gun Runner to victory in the 2018 World Cup, adds another layer of prestige. Saudi Crown's odds of 9-2 reflect both his potential and the cautious optimism surrounding his performance. As the field lines up for the Pegasus World Cup, all eyes will be on this promising contender, eager to see if he can recapture the magic of his Grade 1 victories and set the stage for a successful run in the Saudi Cup.