The highly anticipated Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1), set for January 25 at Gulfstream Park, will see a lineup of elite thoroughbreds competing for a staggering $3 million purse. Among the notable contenders is White Abarrio, a six-year-old gray/roan horse with an intriguing career trajectory. Known for his dramatic ups and downs, White Abarrio has experienced both triumphant victories and disappointing setbacks. After sweeping key stakes races as a three-year-old, he faced a string of losses, including a poor performance in last year's Pegasus World Cup. However, under new training and with some impressive recent performances, White Abarrio is poised to make a strong comeback. His trainer, Saffie Joseph Jr., remains optimistic about the horse's chances, especially given his affinity for Gulfstream Park. With a solid track record and favorable workout times, White Abarrio is considered a serious contender for this prestigious event.
White Abarrio's journey to the Pegasus World Cup has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Initially, he made waves by winning the Holy Bull Stakes (G3) and Florida Derby (G1) as a three-year-old, showcasing immense promise. Yet, his Kentucky Derby (G1) performance was far from expected, finishing in 16th place. The following months saw him struggle further, culminating in an eighth-place finish in the 2023 Pegasus World Cup. Despite these challenges, a change in trainers marked a turning point. Under Rick Dutrow's guidance, White Abarrio experienced a resurgence, placing third in the Met Mile (G1) before clinching victories in two of the most prestigious races: the Whitney Stakes (G1) and Breeders' Cup Classic (G1). This stellar performance nearly secured him the 2023 Horse of the Year title, had it not been for Cody's Wish's exceptional season. However, his form faltered again with lackluster performances in the Saudi Cup (G1) and another Met Mile outing. Returned to Joseph's care, White Abarrio showed renewed vigor, winning and placing second in subsequent races. His workouts at Gulfstream Park have been particularly promising, with his trainer expressing high satisfaction over his preparation.
Gulfstream Park holds special significance for White Abarrio. Having achieved a remarkable 6-for-8 record at this venue, including two stakes wins, the track is undeniably his preferred ground. Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. highlighted the quality of White Abarrio's recent workouts, noting that the horse performed exceptionally well in a five-furlong drill on January 9, clocking an impressive time of 1:00.39. Following up with a four-furlong breeze in 48.13 on January 16, Joseph remained confident about White Abarrio's readiness for the Pegasus World Cup. “He did a lot last week so we kept him in hand this time. We were very happy with it,” Joseph remarked after the latest workout. The combination of White Abarrio's proven track record and current form positions him as a formidable competitor in this year's race.
White Abarrio's career has been marked by remarkable highs and lows, but his resilience and adaptability have kept him in contention for top-tier races. As he lines up for the Pegasus World Cup Invitational, all eyes will be on this seasoned performer. With a favorable post position of 4, odds of 3-1, and jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. in the saddle, White Abarrio stands ready to prove his mettle once again. His owners, C 2 Racing Stable, Prince Faisal bin Khaled bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and Antonio Pagano, along with his dedicated team, are hopeful that this time, history will favor their champion. The upcoming race promises to be a thrilling test of skill and endurance, and White Abarrio's performance could well define the narrative of this prestigious event.