Field for 8th Pegasus World Cup Taking Shape

The field for the 8th Pegasus World Cup on January 27 at Gulfstream Park is expected to include 12 horses, with First Mission and Saudi Crown among the notable entries.

Godolphin's First Mission, a four-year-old, completed a notable five-eighths of a mile workout at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans in preparation for the $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational. The horse, trained by Brad Cox, completed the distance in one minute flat. Cox, a two-time Eclipse Award winner, praised First Mission's condition and training, highlighting the horse's potential for a strong performance in the upcoming race.

First Mission's last race was a second-place finish in the Clark at Churchill Downs, and the horse is expected to improve further in the new racing season. Cox noted that First Mission's lighter racing schedule as a three-year-old may work to his advantage, keeping him fresh for the Pegasus World Cup.

Cox's other trainee, Saudi Crown, also worked out at the Fair Grounds, posting a time of 1:00.20 over five furlongs. Saudi Crown is set to run in the Louisiana Stakes as a preparation for the Saudi Cup in Riyadh.

Additionally, Il Miracolo, trained by Antonio Sano and ridden by Hall of Fame jockey Javier Castellano, is preparing for the Pegasus World Cup. Il Miracolo recently finished third in the Clark at Churchill Downs and has shown significant improvement during his four-year-old season.

The Pegasus World Cup field is shaping up to be competitive, with a mix of experienced and upcoming horses.