The prestigious $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) is set for Saturday, January 25, at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida. This race, open to horses aged four and above, spans a distance of 1 1/8 miles. One horse that has captured attention is Mixto, whose improbable victories have made him an intriguing contender. With only two wins from sixteen starts, Mixto’s career seemed unremarkable until his stunning upset in the Pacific Classic (G1), earning him nearly $600,000. Trainer Doug O'Neill remains optimistic about Mixto's chances in the Pegasus World Cup despite mixed performances following his breakout win.
Rising from Obscurity: Mixto's Unlikely Triumph
Mixto, a chestnut stalker, has defied expectations with his remarkable performance in the Pacific Classic (G1). Prior to this victory, his career record was modest, with just two wins from sixteen races. However, his triumph in the Pacific Classic not only earned him significant prize money but also thrust him into the limelight. The win was a surprise to many, yet Trainer Doug O'Neill saw signs of potential early on. He believed Mixto had been consistently showing promise in training sessions and races leading up to the Pacific Classic.
Mixto's victory over Full Serrano in the Pacific Classic demonstrated his ability to finish strong under pressure. Despite finishing eleventh in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) and third in the Native Diver (G3), O'Neill maintains confidence in Mixto's capabilities. The trainer attributes Mixto's setback in the Breeders' Cup Classic to getting too involved early in the race, which affected his stamina. Nonetheless, O'Neill believes Mixto can perform well if he avoids similar mistakes in the Pegasus World Cup. Jockey Frankie Dettori, who has worked closely with Mixto, shares this optimism and looks forward to riding the horse in the upcoming event.
Preparing for the Pegasus: Mixto's Path Forward
Mixto's journey to the Pegasus World Cup has been marked by highs and lows. After his unexpected success in the Pacific Classic, he faced challenges in subsequent races. His eleventh-place finish in the Breeders' Cup Classic and third-place result in the Native Diver Stakes raised questions about his consistency. However, these setbacks have not dampened the spirits of his team. Trainer Doug O'Neill remains upbeat, emphasizing Mixto's unique qualities and potential for another surprising performance.
O'Neill, a seasoned trainer with notable achievements including two Kentucky Derby wins and five Breeders' Cup victories, brings valuable experience to the table. He highlights Mixto's recent workouts, particularly a breezing 5 furlongs in 1:02 at Santa Anita on January 12, as indicators of readiness. While some analysts suggest Mixto may be outmatched in the Pegasus World Cup, O'Neill and jockey Frankie Dettori believe in the horse's ability to deliver another upset. They are focusing on strategic race tactics to ensure Mixto can showcase his best form on race day. With a top Equibase speed figure of 108, Mixto possesses the speed to compete at this level. As the race approaches, all eyes will be on this unlikely hero to see if he can once again defy the odds.