On Saturday, the collective eyes of Thoroughbred racing will be focused on Gulfstream Park for the inaugural running of the world’s richest horse race–the $12 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1)–to be contested at a mile and an eighth trip over the main track in Hallandale Beach, Fla.
The race drew a full field of 12, in addition to a trio of also-eligibles, but–on paper– figures as an intriguing rematch between two-time Horse of the Year California Chrome and Arrogate, who handed Chrome his only loss in 2016 by winning a stirring edition of last fall’s mile-and-a-quarter Breeder’s Cup Classic (G1). California Chrome, the 6-5 morning-line favorite, will have to break from post position 12 while Arrogate, the 7-5 second choice in the wagering–which, interestingly, has five 50-1 shots (morning line) in a 12-horse field–will break from the one-hole.
In addition to the main event, Saturday’s program at Gulfstream has six supporting stakes on the undercard that, unlike the Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1), offer several tantalizing wagering opportunities.
Off short rest, Hy Riverside at 12-1 is a live longshot in the Poseidon Handicap; Triple Chelsea, a winner of five-of-nine lifetime starts, is 6-1 in the Ladies’ Turf Sprint; Rainbow Heir gets the nod at 6-1 in the Gulfstream Park Turf Sprint; Try Your Luck is worth a play at 12-1 in the La Prevoyante Handicap (G3) and Mr Maybe, installed at 6-1 on the morning line in the W. L. McKnight Handicap (G3), rounds out a barrage of price plays.
Gulfstream has another stakes-laden day on tap for their Saturday, February 4 program, and I’ll be providing FREE selections for the $200,000 Forward Gal (G2), the $350,000 Lambholm South Holy Bull (G2), the $200,000 Swale Stakes (G2), the $100,000 Sweetest Chant (G3), and the $100,000 Kitten’s Joy Stakes.
Additionally, I’ll analyze a couple of races for three-year-olds with possible implications on he road to the 2017 Kentucky Derby Presented By Yum! Brands (G1)–the $250,000 Withers (G2) at Aqueduct and Santa Anita’s $150,000 Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G3).
For FREE selections from Gulfstream Park on Pegasus World Cup Day click HERE.