January 26, 2025
TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon
White Hot
It’s White Abarrio’s world and we’re all just living in it.
The electrifying 6-year-old turned in a world-class effort on Saturday at Gulfstream Park to claim the 8th edition of the $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1).
After lying patiently in wait, White Abarrio, like a lion prowling the Serengeti, pounced at the perfect time to fly ahead of the pack for a commanding 6 ¼-length score.
The coveted Pegasus stands as the Saffie Joseph Jr. trainee’s fifth career graded stakes triumph, and third at the Grade 1 tier.
As the second choice behind clubhouse leader Locked (9-5), White Abarrio (5-2) paid $7.60.
Let Him in
The million-dollar club welcomed a new member this past Saturday when 7-1 underdog Spirit of St Louis fought tooth and nail to steal the $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1T).
Getting immediately into the mix out of post seven, the Tyler Gaffalione mount showed no fear operating in tight spaces.
That determined mindset paid dividends Spirit of St Louis, who had his opponents singing the blues as he crossed the finish line a neck ahead of 7-2 Integration.
The 5-year-old gelding now sports an impressive 10-3-0 line through 14 lifetime starts, with the Pegasus World Cup Turf being his first graded stakes success.
Spirit of St Louis paid $17.80.
Sticking my Neck Out
The third and final Pegasus-branded contest on Gulfstream Park’s dynamic Saturday card, the $500,000 Pegsaus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf (G2T), went to the appropriately named Be Your Best (IRE).
After ending her third professional campaign on a high note with consecutive scores (Grade 3 Long Island and Grade 3 Suwannee River), the well-travelled 5-year-old mare kept her foot on the gas to kick off 2025.
While the tank was very near empty by the end, Be Your Best held on just long enough to outlast 7-2 challenger Sacred Wish by a neck.
As the second 7-1 winner on Pegasus day, Be Your Best paid $16.80.
Turning Tides
The festivities continued Pegasus Day’s undercard with 4-year-old filly Mystic Lake, who delivered another photo finish victory in the $215,000 Inside Information (G2).
Although not sporting the same underdog status as the day’s previous winners, Mystic Lake (2-1) worked steadily to maintain her place atop the charts – by a neck – over even-money choice Emery.
The Irad Ortiz Jr. mount has now found the winner’s circle in half of her 14 career starts (7-3-1). That knack for finding the podium has translated to career earnings north of $1 million.
Mystic Lake returned solid value for a horse of her billing, paying $6.40 for the decision.
Nobody Nose
Suffice it to say, there was a bit of a theme during Pegasus Day.
Forever After All decided it was her turn to win a close one when she took to the turf for the $150,000 La Prevoyante (G3).
After struggling mightily to establish position in the early goings, the 6-year-old mare put her head down and rocketed to the front of the 12-horse pack to snatch the 1 ½-mile affair by a nose over 5-2 foe Chop Chop.
Saturday’s thrilling triumph offered a moment of relief for a horse who had finished second in nearly half of her 21 starts leading into the La Prevoyante (3-10-2 line).
At 5-1, Forever After All paid a cool $13.60.