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The $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) at Gulfstream Park has assembled a formidable lineup of 12 elite thoroughbreds for Saturday’s event. Among them is the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) champion, Mystik Dan, who faces tough competition as an 8-1 underdog in this grueling 1 1/8-mile contest. Handicappers and racing enthusiasts alike are eagerly anticipating this thrilling showdown, with Locked emerging as the top contender at 5-2 odds.

Unlocking the Secrets of Horse Racing's Premier Event

Locked: The Rising Star

The Cigar Mile (G2) victor from December, Locked, enters this race as a promising force within the handicap division. This will only be his seventh career start, yet he boasts an impressive record of four wins, two seconds, and no finishes outside the top three. Following a knee injury that sidelined him for much of his 3-year-old season, Locked returned with a commanding allowance win before securing the Cigar Mile triumph.Trainer Todd Pletcher, who guided Life Is Good to victory in last year’s Pegasus, believes Locked has the potential to excel over longer distances. "He’s been training exceptionally well," Pletcher noted. However, challenges loom large for Locked, including a less-than-ideal post position and the uncertainty surrounding his readiness for such a high-stakes test against seasoned competitors.

White Abarrio: Proven Champion

Among the contenders, White Abarrio stands out as the highest earner with over $5.2 million in career winnings. Trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., this veteran horse brings a wealth of experience, having claimed victories in prestigious races like the Florida Derby (G1), Whitney Stakes (G1), and the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1). After finishing second in the Mr. Prospector Stakes (G3), White Abarrio appears poised for another stellar performance on familiar turf at Gulfstream Park.Joseph expressed confidence in White Abarrio’s chances, emphasizing the advantage of not having to ship the horse for this race. "He’s giving all the right signals that he’s ready to deliver his best effort," Joseph stated. With the added distance likely suiting his running style, White Abarrio could very well emerge victorious.

Mystik Dan: Seeking Redemption

The Kentucky Derby winner, Mystik Dan, faces a different narrative this time around. After a challenging end to the Triple Crown series, he returned with a lackluster performance in the Malibu Stakes (G1) at Santa Anita. Trainer Ken McPeak acknowledged the difficulty in transitioning from a successful 3-year-old campaign to competing effectively as an older horse."The Malibu wasn’t ideal, but it’s a long year, and we have multiple opportunities to gauge where he stands," McPeak remarked. Despite these uncertainties, Mystik Dan remains a formidable presence, and many will be watching closely to see if he can recapture the form that made him a Derby champion.

A Field of Contenders

Beyond the leading trio, the field includes several other notable entries. Pennsylvania Derby (G1) winner Saudi Crown, the talented filly Power Squeeze, and Newgrange—a multiple Grade 2 winner in California—add depth to the competition. Mixto, the 22-1 upset victor of the Pacific Classic (G1), and Stronghold, who excels at this distance, round out the list of top contenders.Each horse brings its own strengths and storylines, making the Pegasus World Cup Invitational a race filled with intrigue and unpredictability. For those who bet on horse racing, the picks lean towards White Abarrio, Stronghold, and Locked, setting the stage for an unforgettable day of racing.