Pegasus World Cup 2025 Contenders
By TVG Staff
Updated January 9, 2025
The $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1), the first major handicap division race of the winter season in the United States, happens on Saturday, January 25, at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida. The race covers 1 ⅛ miles on the dirt course, a middle distance that always draws a mix of milers, true nine-furlong runners, and even classic-distance runners on the cutback. With a mix of proven handicap-division stars and younger horses trying to make it at the top level, the race is exciting for fans and bettors alike.
The card features seven stakes, including the $3 million Pegasus World Cup (G1) for older handicap horses, the $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational (G1) for older grass runners, and the $500,000 Pegasus Filly and Mare Turf (G3) for older grass females. The day always provides a preview of the leaders, especially in horse racing divisions for runners aged 4 and over, for the rest of the year.
Key Pegasus World Cup Contenders
The final field for the Pegasus World Cup Invitational will be drawn on Sunday, January 19. However, a list of invitees has been released by the track. In order to get a jump on your Pegasus World Cup handicapping, here are the primary invitees for the race as of January 8. All of these horses are guaranteed a spot in the field if they stay healthy, and their connections want to point them to the race, so most of them will likely run in the race on January 25.
Crupi (trainer: Todd Pletcher)
Trainer Todd Pletcher has won the Pegasus World Cup once already with Life Is Good in 2022. Pletcher is expected to have two in the 2025 edition, with Crupi the second-stringer. Though Crupi has only won once at the graded level, this late runner has made a career and over a million dollars) from mostly clunking up for underneath shares in major races. In fact, he rallied from last to nab third behind National Treasure in the 2024 edition of the Pegasus World Cup. If he comes back in similar form and gets some sharp pace in front of him, his best may get another piece.
Imagination (trainer: Bob Baffert)
Bob Baffert has won the Pegasus World Cup three times, more than any other trainer. His most recent victory came just last year with National Treasure, and he will try to become the first trainer to win the Pegasus in consecutive years with Imagination. Though this son of Into Mischief hasn’t won since last March and has only two wins in 11 starts, he has hit the board in all but two of his starts, and he finished a close second in the 1 ⅛-mile Santa Anita Derby (G1) last year. He also has tactical speed, a tool that plays well at Gulfstream.
Locked (trainer: Todd Pletcher)
The first-string entrant for Todd Pletcher, Locked comes into the Pegasus World Cup out of a strong-looking score in the Cigar Mile (G2) in November. It proved he is in the right form to take on strong older horses, though the Cigar only covers a one-turn mile and he now has to prove himself against top older horses going two turns. It isn’t impossible—he won the 1 1/16-mile Breeders’ Futurity (G1) at Keeneland in 2023—but the price will be short, so be careful.
Mixto (trainer: Doug O’Neill)
He spent most of 2024 nibbling at the graded-stakes ranks, then had a breakthrough victory in the Pacific Classic (G1) at Del Mar in August. He regressed with an 11th-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, though he jumped back into some solid form with a close third behind Skinner in the Native Diver (G3) on November 23. The Native Diver is a 1 ⅛-mile race, same as the Pegasus, and his early speed will be a plus. But, he hasn’t been the most consistent, and he will be leaving California for a race for the first time.
Mystik Dan (trainer: Kenny McPeek)
The 2024 Kentucky Derby winner was a no-show in his first race back, the Malibu (G1), on Santa Anita’s opening day. The worry is that he may be overbet because he’s a Kentucky Derby winner. But, on the other hand, Kenny McPeek has never been shy to race his horses back into form, even his top-notch horses. And, the 1 ⅛-mile distance of the Pegasus World Cup is in Mystik Dan’s wheelhouse in a way that the seven furlongs of the Malibu is not. The biggest question for him is pace, as Mystik Dan is going to be a few lengths back—he isn’t a deep closer, but will need a fair shake for horses rallying from midfield.
Power Squeeze (trainer: Jorge Delgado)
No filly has won the Pegasus World Cup yet, and Power Squeeze will attempt to change that in 2025. This four-year-old comes off a second-place finish in the one-mile Rampart at Gulfstream, where she just missed against long shot Windy Walk but defeated Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint winner Soul of an Angel. More distance will help: she won the 1 ¼-mile Alabama (G1) and the 1 1/16-mile Delaware Oaks (G1) last year. However, she has yet to prove her class against older route horses, meaning despite some upside, she will be a deserved long shot.
Saudi Crown (trainer: Brad Cox)
The name of the game for Saudi Crown is speed. If he is on the lead—or even near it, as he was last out when he won the Tenacious Stakes at Fair Grounds—he’ll have a good day. If he isn’t, like when he finished 11th in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile last year, he is done. Watch the post draw for him; a post outside other speed in the race would be good. But, the typically speed-friendly Gulfstream Park track may give him a chance to give trainer Brad Cox his second Pegasus win.
Senor Buscador (trainer: Todd Fincher)
This time last year Senor Buscador was in the form of his life: he was second in the 2023 Cigar Mile, he rallied for a close second behind National Treasure in the Pegasus World Cup, and then he won the Saudi Cup (G1) the next month. However, he hasn’t hit the board since a third-place run in the Dubai World Cup in March. If there is a lot of pace to ch,ase then perhaps Senor Buscador can run on for another share at a price. But, demand a big price.
Skinner (trainer: Cherie DeVaux)
Skinner missed most of 2024, but he came back in nice form: he was second in a sprint allowance after being out for almost a year, and then won the Native Diver by a length in his second start back. That win came on the stretch out to the same distance as the Pegasus World Cup, 1 ⅛ miles. Now, he ships east for the first time and gets his sea legs under him for new trainer Cherie DeVaux, who is coming off a career year in 2024. She has established herself as a serious big-race trainer and should have Skinner ready to go.
Skippylongstocking (trainer: Saffie Joseph, Jr.)
The same big question lurks above Skippylongstocking this year as did last year: can he perform at this level? He still has yet to answer this question in the affirmative. He was seventh in the Pegasus World Cup in 2023 and did not finish last year. He bounced back well after pulling up, winning the Challenger (G3) and the Oaklawn Handicap (G2) in his next two starts. But, despite some early-career Gulfstream Park form, it seems even his original home track isn’t enough to make him a Grade 1 type.
Stronghold (trainer: Phil D’Amato)
He didn’t win any of the classics in 2024, but he was still one of the classiest and most consistent of the three-year-olds. This Phil D’Amato charge did win the Santa Anita Derby (G1), giving him a top-level win at the same distance as the Pegasus World Cup. And, he is in good enough form that even turning back to seven furlongs for the Malibu last out, he finished a good second behind Raging Torrent, a true sprinter. He can also take his form around the country with him. Yes, he has to prove himself against older horses, but given his consistency, he has a lot of exotic appeal.
White Abarrio (trainer: Saffie Joseph, Jr.)
White Abarrio went on a tear in 2023: he hit the board in the Met Mile (G1), stretched out to win the Whitney (G1), and then win the Breeders’ Cup Classic. However, he went on the shelf after off-the-board finishes in the Saudi Cup (G1) and the Met Mile in 2024. His return has been promising: he won an allowance at Gulfstream on November 22 as easily as a horse of his quality should have, and then second was as well as he was going to do in the seven-furlong Mr. Prospector (G3), coming from last against a modest pace. Watch the price, though the extra distance and a better start can help.
Follow TVG for Your 2025 Pegasus World Cup Bets
You can watch and wager on the entire Pegasus World Cup Invitational card, including the Pegasus World Cup Turf and Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf, right here at TVG! Visit TVG.com for updated information on the Pegasus all the way until race day.
And, don’t forget to stay tuned to FanDuel TV for expert betting advice from our team of racing analysts, and live coverage of the Pegasus World Cup, Pegasus World Cup Turf, and horse racing from coast to coast.
Get up to $200 Back
If you don't win your first single-horse win betPegasus World Cup Promotions
Get up to $200 Back
If you don't win your first single-horse win betBy TVG Staff
Updated January 9, 2025
The $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1), the first major handicap division race of the winter season in the United States, happens on Saturday, January 25, at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida. The race covers 1 ⅛ miles on the dirt course, a middle distance that always draws a mix of milers, true nine-furlong runners, and even classic-distance runners on the cutback. With a mix of proven handicap-division stars and younger horses trying to make it at the top level, the race is exciting for fans and bettors alike.
The card features seven stakes, including the $3 million Pegasus World Cup (G1) for older handicap horses, the $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational (G1) for older grass runners, and the $500,000 Pegasus Filly and Mare Turf (G3) for older grass females. The day always provides a preview of the leaders, especially in horse racing divisions for runners aged 4 and over, for the rest of the year.
Key Pegasus World Cup Contenders
The final field for the Pegasus World Cup Invitational will be drawn on Sunday, January 19. However, a list of invitees has been released by the track. In order to get a jump on your Pegasus World Cup handicapping, here are the primary invitees for the race as of January 8. All of these horses are guaranteed a spot in the field if they stay healthy, and their connections want to point them to the race, so most of them will likely run in the race on January 25.
Crupi (trainer: Todd Pletcher)
Trainer Todd Pletcher has won the Pegasus World Cup once already with Life Is Good in 2022. Pletcher is expected to have two in the 2025 edition, with Crupi the second-stringer. Though Crupi has only won once at the graded level, this late runner has made a career and over a million dollars) from mostly clunking up for underneath shares in major races. In fact, he rallied from last to nab third behind National Treasure in the 2024 edition of the Pegasus World Cup. If he comes back in similar form and gets some sharp pace in front of him, his best may get another piece.
Imagination (trainer: Bob Baffert)
Bob Baffert has won the Pegasus World Cup three times, more than any other trainer. His most recent victory came just last year with National Treasure, and he will try to become the first trainer to win the Pegasus in consecutive years with Imagination. Though this son of Into Mischief hasn’t won since last March and has only two wins in 11 starts, he has hit the board in all but two of his starts, and he finished a close second in the 1 ⅛-mile Santa Anita Derby (G1) last year. He also has tactical speed, a tool that plays well at Gulfstream.
Locked (trainer: Todd Pletcher)
The first-string entrant for Todd Pletcher, Locked comes into the Pegasus World Cup out of a strong-looking score in the Cigar Mile (G2) in November. It proved he is in the right form to take on strong older horses, though the Cigar only covers a one-turn mile and he now has to prove himself against top older horses going two turns. It isn’t impossible—he won the 1 1/16-mile Breeders’ Futurity (G1) at Keeneland in 2023—but the price will be short, so be careful.
Mixto (trainer: Doug O’Neill)
He spent most of 2024 nibbling at the graded-stakes ranks, then had a breakthrough victory in the Pacific Classic (G1) at Del Mar in August. He regressed with an 11th-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, though he jumped back into some solid form with a close third behind Skinner in the Native Diver (G3) on November 23. The Native Diver is a 1 ⅛-mile race, same as the Pegasus, and his early speed will be a plus. But, he hasn’t been the most consistent, and he will be leaving California for a race for the first time.
Mystik Dan (trainer: Kenny McPeek)
The 2024 Kentucky Derby winner was a no-show in his first race back, the Malibu (G1), on Santa Anita’s opening day. The worry is that he may be overbet because he’s a Kentucky Derby winner. But, on the other hand, Kenny McPeek has never been shy to race his horses back into form, even his top-notch horses. And, the 1 ⅛-mile distance of the Pegasus World Cup is in Mystik Dan’s wheelhouse in a way that the seven furlongs of the Malibu is not. The biggest question for him is pace, as Mystik Dan is going to be a few lengths back—he isn’t a deep closer, but will need a fair shake for horses rallying from midfield.
Power Squeeze (trainer: Jorge Delgado)
No filly has won the Pegasus World Cup yet, and Power Squeeze will attempt to change that in 2025. This four-year-old comes off a second-place finish in the one-mile Rampart at Gulfstream, where she just missed against long shot Windy Walk but defeated Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint winner Soul of an Angel. More distance will help: she won the 1 ¼-mile Alabama (G1) and the 1 1/16-mile Delaware Oaks (G1) last year. However, she has yet to prove her class against older route horses, meaning despite some upside, she will be a deserved long shot.
Saudi Crown (trainer: Brad Cox)
The name of the game for Saudi Crown is speed. If he is on the lead—or even near it, as he was last out when he won the Tenacious Stakes at Fair Grounds—he’ll have a good day. If he isn’t, like when he finished 11th in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile last year, he is done. Watch the post draw for him; a post outside other speed in the race would be good. But, the typically speed-friendly Gulfstream Park track may give him a chance to give trainer Brad Cox his second Pegasus win.
Senor Buscador (trainer: Todd Fincher)
This time last year Senor Buscador was in the form of his life: he was second in the 2023 Cigar Mile, he rallied for a close second behind National Treasure in the Pegasus World Cup, and then he won the Saudi Cup (G1) the next month. However, he hasn’t hit the board since a third-place run in the Dubai World Cup in March. If there is a lot of pace to ch,ase then perhaps Senor Buscador can run on for another share at a price. But, demand a big price.
Skinner (trainer: Cherie DeVaux)
Skinner missed most of 2024, but he came back in nice form: he was second in a sprint allowance after being out for almost a year, and then won the Native Diver by a length in his second start back. That win came on the stretch out to the same distance as the Pegasus World Cup, 1 ⅛ miles. Now, he ships east for the first time and gets his sea legs under him for new trainer Cherie DeVaux, who is coming off a career year in 2024. She has established herself as a serious big-race trainer and should have Skinner ready to go.
Skippylongstocking (trainer: Saffie Joseph, Jr.)
The same big question lurks above Skippylongstocking this year as did last year: can he perform at this level? He still has yet to answer this question in the affirmative. He was seventh in the Pegasus World Cup in 2023 and did not finish last year. He bounced back well after pulling up, winning the Challenger (G3) and the Oaklawn Handicap (G2) in his next two starts. But, despite some early-career Gulfstream Park form, it seems even his original home track isn’t enough to make him a Grade 1 type.
Stronghold (trainer: Phil D’Amato)
He didn’t win any of the classics in 2024, but he was still one of the classiest and most consistent of the three-year-olds. This Phil D’Amato charge did win the Santa Anita Derby (G1), giving him a top-level win at the same distance as the Pegasus World Cup. And, he is in good enough form that even turning back to seven furlongs for the Malibu last out, he finished a good second behind Raging Torrent, a true sprinter. He can also take his form around the country with him. Yes, he has to prove himself against older horses, but given his consistency, he has a lot of exotic appeal.
White Abarrio (trainer: Saffie Joseph, Jr.)
White Abarrio went on a tear in 2023: he hit the board in the Met Mile (G1), stretched out to win the Whitney (G1), and then win the Breeders’ Cup Classic. However, he went on the shelf after off-the-board finishes in the Saudi Cup (G1) and the Met Mile in 2024. His return has been promising: he won an allowance at Gulfstream on November 22 as easily as a horse of his quality should have, and then second was as well as he was going to do in the seven-furlong Mr. Prospector (G3), coming from last against a modest pace. Watch the price, though the extra distance and a better start can help.
Follow TVG for Your 2025 Pegasus World Cup Bets
You can watch and wager on the entire Pegasus World Cup Invitational card, including the Pegasus World Cup Turf and Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf, right here at TVG! Visit TVG.com for updated information on the Pegasus all the way until race day.
And, don’t forget to stay tuned to FanDuel TV for expert betting advice from our team of racing analysts, and live coverage of the Pegasus World Cup, Pegasus World Cup Turf, and horse racing from coast to coast.