Who are the top contenders for the 2024 Pegasus World Cup?
The Pegasus World Cup is one of the most anticipated events welcoming 2024 with a bang. This year’s event will take place at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale, FLA on January 27, 2024. With only a few days ahead, fans and enthusiasts look forward to how this event will unfold this year.
To participate in the Pegasus World Cup, the horse must already have participated in at least two graded stakes races, where at least one must be a Grade One within the past year. You can expect that the contenders are experienced runners with a relatively fair record. If you’re looking for the possible contenders this 27th, here are the top horses with the highest rating before the race.
First Mission
First Mission is the son of another great horse, Street Cry. Street Cry was a remarkable horse who never finished later than the second place. It’s expected for First Mission to be the same, which he’s been doing well so far. First Mission is a four-year-old colt who only just started racing last year in 2023. Since then, he has been in five races, including the 2023 Lexington (G3) and the 2023 Clark Stakes (G2), winning first and second place, respectively.
Despite being new to the field, First Mission has shown great talent, especially after running a 108 Equibase speed figure, his highest recorded yet. With his skill and talent, fans can expect a good result from First Mission in his first Pegasus World Cup event and take this chance to redeem himself after finishing in second place in his last stakes race.
Saudi Crown
Saudi Crown is also a four-year-old colt who has started racing since 2023. Unlike First Mission, Saudi Crown has been in several huge events like the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), though he didn’t win. Aside from that, he won the race of a huge event, the 2023 Pennsylvania Derby (G1), last September 23, and won second place in the two previous races before that, the 2023 Jim Dandy (G2) and the 2023 Dwyer (G3).
It’s safe to say that the Saudi Crown is no stranger to significant events. In summary, he’s been in six starts last year and won three of them. You might have doubts about the Saudi Crown, but it only shows how much more he can present. As long as he stays fit and healthy on the 27th, you can wager on Saudi Crown to be one of the fastest runners among the contenders.
National Treasure
This four-year-old colt is the most active contender so far. He started participating last year and has been to 10 starts already. What’s amazing about him is that he’s already participated in several significant horse racing events in the USA. He won the 2023 Preakness Stakes (G1) and finished in second place in the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1). He also attempted in the 2023 Belmont Stakes (G1) and the 2023 Travers Stakes (G1).
Although he didn’t win in either race, the thought of getting invited to start in these events is already worthy of recognition. With such an experienced horse among the new horses, it sparks the interest of some fans. So, if you’re one of them, it will be in your best interest to look out for National Treasure and how he will do this season.
Skippylongstocking
With such a silly name, it’s hard to forget Skippylongstocking. This colt is already five years old and has been racing from 2021 to 2023. He has already been to 20 starts throughout his career, six of which he’s won. It’s important to note that Skippylongstocking already participated in this event last year, finishing in seventh place. It seems such a pity, but he continued to his races and has continued racking other wins instead.
With more experience and enhanced skills, it’s safe to expect a positive result from Skippylongstocking this year. It would be such a remarkable comeback if he finished the event earlier despite being the oldest of the top runners. If nothing goes wrong with his health until the d-day, fans might witness probably one of the best races they can witness in January.
Hoist the Gold
Last on this list is the five-year-old, who already has 26 starts under his name. Despite the great number of races already, this year will be his first Pegasus World Cup event. Like the other experienced horses in this list, Hoist the Gold has been in various significant races as well, including the 2023 Phoenix (G2) and the 2023 Cigar Mile (G2), which he has won both.
Despite being one of the older horses and more starts on his name, not many people are confident about his win. Though some believe he will finish the event early, they doubt he can win outright. Still, odds can change on a whim, and he might be the first upset fans will get this year.
Final Thoughts
After reading through this list, you should know by now what type of horses you should expect for the 2024 Pegasus World Cup. This list isn’t certain yet because, as mentioned, the odds can change instantly. So, holding your cards tightly and waiting until you see the horses for yourself would be the best choice. Nonetheless, the first impression after reading this article is also to be considered.
