Venue and Race Overview
The Grade I Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational Stakes presented by Baccarat is scheduled at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida, USA. This world-class facility includes a one-mile dirt oval, a 1 1/8-mile turf course, and a Tapeta synthetic track, with this prestigious event utilizing the turf course. Gulfstream is renowned for its Championship Meet and flagship events like the Pegasus World Cup card, where this race caps the turf action. The race is set for Saturday, January 24, 2026, with a post time of 4:52 PM ET. This G1 stakes is for horses aged 4 years and up, contested over 1 1/8 miles on the turf. The purse is $1,000,000 (including Florida-bred incentives), with weights of 118-126 lbs. based on allowances. It’s a mid-distance turf classic that tests class and stamina, often favoring tactical speed and European-style closers on firm ground, attracting an international field.
Expected Weather and Track Conditions
The forecast for January 24, 2026, in Hallandale Beach indicates partly cloudy skies with a high of 80°F and a low around 68°F. Winds from the east at 10-15 mph, humidity at 65%, and a 20% chance of isolated showers (up to 0.05 inches). No significant rain is expected, keeping the turf firm and fast—Gulfstream’s standard winter turf, which drains superbly and typically plays fair but can benefit mid-pack runners in routes. If light showers hit, the course might soften to good, suiting horses with yielding form.
Field Analysis
A stellar field of 12 turf stars assembles for this G1, featuring graded winners, shippers, and rising talents. Key metrics include turf route experience, closing punch (Beyer figures noted), and international pedigree. Trainers like Chad C. Brown (two entries) and Aidan O’Brien (international flavor) highlight the depth. Below is a detailed breakdown by post position (PP), including horse details, jockey, trainer, recent finishes (last 5 with dates, tracks, types, distances, surfaces, positions, and figures), and analysis.
PP 1: Integrate (5yo gelding, by Into Mischief – Perfect Integral)
Jockey: Flavien Prat (elite turfer, 23% win rate). Trainer: Chad C. Brown (turf master, 24% in G1s). Weight: 126 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (115) at AQU Red Smith S. G2T (11/15/2025, 1 3/8m turf); 2nd (112) at BEL Joe Hirsch Turf Classic G1T (10/5/2025, 1 1/2m turf); 1st (118) at SAR Sword Dancer S. G1T (8/25/2025, 1 1/2m turf); 3rd (110) at GP Pegasus Turf G1T (1/25/2025, 1 1/8m turf); 1st (116) at KEE Sycamore S. G3T (10/10/2024, 1 1/2m turf).
Analysis: Defending 2025 Pegasus Turf champ with three G1 wins, his figures (118 peak) dominate. Brown’s go-to; Prat’s patient ride suits rail draw. Firm turf ideal; the favorite if he repeats.
PP 2: Sugoi (6yo horse, by Karakontie (JPN) – Awesome Flower)
Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione (local ace, 22% win rate). Trainer: Mark E. Casse (versatile, 22% in stakes). Weight: 124 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (110) at GP Fort Lauderdale S. G2T (12/13/2025, 1 1/8m turf); 2nd (107) at BEL Knickerbocker S. G3T (10/20/2025, 1 1/8m turf); 3rd (105) at SAR Fourstardave H. G1T (8/10/2025, 1m turf); 4th (102) at GP Allow (3/1/2025, 1 1/16m turf); 1st (108) at CD Allow (11/15/2024, 1 1/8m turf).
Analysis: Gulfstream specialist off a sharp Fort Lauderdale win; Casse’s charge has tactical speed. Gaffalione knows the course; solid figures. Handles firm; value stalker.
PP 3: Bal Harbour (5yo gelding, by First Samurai – Harbour Cat)
Jockey: Junior Alvarado (versatile, 15% win rate). Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph, Jr. (local hot hand, 21% win rate). Weight: 122 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 3rd (106) at GP Allow (12/26/2025, 1 1/8m turf); 1st (108) at BEL Alwoc (10/15/2025, 1 1/16m turf); 2nd (105) at SAR Allow (8/5/2025, 1 1/8m turf); 4th (102) at GP Stakes (3/15/2025, 1m turf); 1st (107) at TAM Allow (11/10/2024, 1 1/16m turf).
Analysis: Improving local with consistent board hits; Joseph’s barn firing. Alvarado presses; good figures. Firm turf best; exotics if pace honest.
PP 4: Catnip (7yo horse, by Kitten’s Joy – Bye Bye Baby (IRE))
Jockey: John R. Velazquez (Hall of Famer, 25% win rate). Trainer: Michael Stidham (turf specialist, 19% win rate). Weight: 124 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (112) at CD Wise Dan S. G2T (6/15/2025, 1 1/16m turf); 2nd (109) at KEE Maker’s Mark Mile G1T (4/10/2025, 1m turf); 3rd (106) at GP Fort Lauderdale G2T (12/13/2025, 1 1/8m turf); 1st (110) at SAR Fourstardave G1T (8/10/2025, 1m turf); 4th (104) at CD Turf Mile G2T (10/5/2024, 1m turf).
Analysis: G1 winner with Midwest form; Stidham ships confidently. Velazquez’s finesse fits closer; high figures. Versatile; live if turf firm.
PP 5: Webslinger (6yo gelding, by Constitution – Arana)
Jockey: Javier Castellano (Hall of Famer, 21% win rate). Trainer: Mark E. Casse (see above). Weight: 124 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (111) at BEL Manhattan S. G1T (6/8/2025, 1 1/4m turf); 2nd (108) at AQU Red Smith G2T (11/15/2025, 1 3/8m turf); 3rd (106) at SAR Sword Dancer G1T (8/25/2025, 1 1/2m turf); 4th (103) at GP Pegasus Turf G1T (1/25/2025, 1 1/8m turf); 1st (109) at CD Allow (10/10/2024, 1 1/8m turf).
Analysis: G1 victor cutting back; Casse’s second. Castellano rallies; strong figures. Proven closer; contender on class.
PP 6: Ramblin’ Wreck (5yo gelding, by Arrogate – Wrecking Crew)
Jockey: Luis Saez (aggressive, 24% win rate). Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher (Hall of Famer, 25% in G1s). Weight: 122 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 2nd (107) at GP Allow (12/20/2025, 1 1/8m turf); 1st (109) at BEL Knickerbocker G3T (10/20/2025, 1 1/8m turf); 3rd (105) at SAR Allow (8/15/2025, 1 1/16m turf); 1st (108) at GP MSW (3/10/2025, 1m turf); 4th (102) at SAR MSW (8/5/2024, 1 1/8m turf).
Analysis: Lightly raced improver; Pletcher’s touch. Saez presses; rising figures. Firm suits; upset if matures.
PP 7: Master Piece (CHI) (8yo horse, by Mastercraftsman (IRE) – Trampoli)
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli (finisher, 18% win rate). Trainer: Philip D’Amato (West Coast turf guru, 21% win rate). Weight: 126 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (114) at SA Shoemaker Mile G1T (5/26/2025, 1m turf); 2nd (111) at DMR Seabiscuit H. G2T (11/29/2025, 1 1/16m turf); 1st (116) at SA San Marcos S. G2T (2/1/2025, 1 1/4m turf); 3rd (109) at GP Fort Lauderdale G2T (12/13/2025, 1 1/8m turf); 1st (113) at SA Allow (10/10/2024, 1 1/8m turf).
Analysis: Chilean import with G1 wins; D’Amato’s star shipper. Rispoli closes; top figures (116 high). Handles firm; major threat.
PP 8: Grand Sonata (7yo horse, by Medaglia d’Oro – Gift List (GB))
Jockey: Manuel Franco (aggressive, 16% win rate). Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher (see above). Weight: 124 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 3rd (106) at AQU Cigar Mile G2 (12/7/2025, 1m dirt, but turf preference); 1st (108) at BEL Turf Classic Inv. LS (10/5/2025, 1 1/8m turf); 2nd (105) at SAR Bernard Baruch H. LS (8/25/2025, 1 1/16m turf); 4th (102) at GP Allow (3/20/2025, 1 1/8m turf); 1st (107) at CD Allow (11/15/2024, 1 1/16m turf).
Analysis: Versatile with turf stakes wins; Pletcher’s second. Franco stalks; solid figures. Prefers firm; exotics.
PP 9: Far Bridge (6yo horse, by English Channel – Fitpitcher)
Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz (versatile, 20% win rate). Trainer: Christophe Clement (turf expert, 20% win rate). Weight: 124 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (110) at BEL Man o’ War S. G1T (5/11/2025, 1 3/8m turf); 2nd (107) at AQU Red Smith G2T (11/15/2025, 1 3/8m turf); 3rd (105) at SAR Sword Dancer G1T (8/25/2025, 1 1/2m turf); 4th (102) at GP Pegasus Turf G1T (1/25/2025, 1 1/8m turf); 1st (108) at KEE Allow (10/10/2024, 1 1/4m turf).
Analysis: G1 winner stretching legs; Clement’s charge. Ortiz presses; strong figures. Firm turf suits; live.
PP 10: Bolshoi Ballet (IRE) (8yo horse, by Galileo (IRE) – Alta Anna (FR))
Jockey: Ryan Moore (international star, 25% win rate in U.S.). Trainer: Aidan P. O’Brien (legendary, 30% in G1s). Weight: 126 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 2nd (113) at CUR Irish Champion S. G1T (9/14/2025, 1 1/4m turf); 1st (116) at BEL Belmont Derby Inv. G1T (7/6/2025, 1 1/4m turf); 3rd (110) at ASC King George VI & Queen Elizabeth S. G1 (7/27/2025, 1 1/2m turf); 1st (114) at CD Turf Classic S. G1T (5/4/2025, 1 1/8m turf); 2nd (111) at GP Pegasus Turf G1T (1/25/2025, 1 1/8m turf).
Analysis: European powerhouse with G1 placings; O’Brien ships for repeat bid. Moore’s mastery; elite figures (116 peak). Firm okay; co-favorite.
PP 11: Get Smokin (7yo gelding, by Get Stormy – Hookah Lady)
Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr. (leading, 28% win rate). Trainer: Chad C. Brown (see above). Weight: 124 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (109) at GP Fort Lauderdale G2T (12/13/2025, 1 1/8m turf); 2nd (106) at BEL Knickerbocker G3T (10/20/2025, 1 1/8m turf); 3rd (104) at SAR Fourstardave G1T (8/10/2025, 1m turf); 4th (101) at GP Allow (3/1/2025, 1 1/16m turf); 1st (107) at CD Allow (11/15/2024, 1 1/8m turf).
Analysis: Local hero off Fort Lauderdale win; Brown’s second. Ortiz maximizes; solid figures. Speedy; value if leads.
PP 12: Warm Heart (IRE) (6yo mare, by Galileo (IRE) – Sea of Heartbreak (IRE))
Jockey: Lanfranco Dettori (legend, 22% win rate). Trainer: Aidan P. O’Brien (see above). Weight: 121 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (112) at ASC Ribblesdale S. G2 (6/20/2025, 1 1/2m turf); 2nd (109) at CUR Pretty Polly S. G1 (6/29/2025, 1 1/4m turf); 3rd (107) at BEL New York S. G1T (6/7/2025, 1 1/4m turf); 1st (110) at GP Pegasus F&M Turf G2T (1/25/2025, 1 1/16m turf); 2nd (108) at KEE First Lady S. G1T (10/5/2024, 1m turf).
Analysis: Filly allowance vs. males; O’Brien’s second shipper. Dettori closes; high figures. Mare’s allowance helps; upset if turf firm.
