Venue and Race Overview
The Grade I Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes is scheduled at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida, USA. This premier racing venue features a one-mile dirt oval, a 1 1/8-mile turf course, and a Tapeta all-weather track, with this event on the main dirt track. Gulfstream is celebrated for its winter Championship Meet and marquee events like the Pegasus World Cup card, where this race serves as the finale. The race is set for Saturday, January 24, 2026, with a post time of 5:39 PM ET. This G1 stakes is for horses aged 4 years and up, contested over 1 1/8 miles on dirt. The purse is $3,000,000, with weights of 123 lbs. (standard for older males, allowances possible). It’s a one-turn route that rewards versatile runners with tactical speed, often highlighting Breeders’ Cup contenders and early-season stars, with a history of winners like Arrogate, Gun Runner, and defending champion White Abarrio.
Expected Weather and Track Conditions
The forecast for January 24, 2026, in Hallandale Beach indicates partly cloudy skies with passing showers possible. High of 79°F, low of 69°F, with winds from the east at 10 mph, humidity around 74%, and a 46% chance of precipitation amounting to 0.08 inches. If showers occur, the dirt track could turn good or sloppy, favoring horses with proven off-track form (e.g., muddy wins). Otherwise, expect a fast surface, typical for Gulfstream’s winter dirt, which can favor inside paths and front-runners but generally plays fair in routes.
Field Analysis
A competitive field of 12 older horses (with 2 also-eligibles) assembles, featuring multiple G1 winners, undefeated prospects, and shippers. Key factors include dirt route stamina, speed figures (Beyer equivalents), and Gulfstream affinity. Brad Cox enters two top contenders, while Saffie Joseph Jr. has the defending champ. Below is a horse-by-horse breakdown, including post position (PP), horse details, jockey, trainer, recent finishes (last 5 with dates, tracks, types, distances, surfaces, positions, and figures from available data), and analysis. AEs: #13 Catalytic (30-1), #14 Cugino (AE, not listed in main field but mentioned).
PP 1: Disco Time (4yo colt, by Not This Time – Dance the Slew)
Jockey: Flavien Prat (elite, 23% win rate at Gulfstream). Trainer: Brad H. Cox (champion, 25% in G1s). Weight: 123 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (108) at AQU Dwyer S. G3 (9/28/2025, 1m dirt); 1st (105) at FMT St. Louis Derby (8/24/2025, 1 1/16m dirt); 1st (102) at FG Lecomte S. G3 (1/20/2025, 1 1/16m dirt); 1st (100) at CD Allow (11/25/2024, 1m dirt); 1st (98) at CD MSW (10/28/2024, 7f dirt).
Analysis: Undefeated in 5 starts, this Juddmonte homebred has dominated from maiden to G3 level, winning by a combined 15+ lengths off layoffs. Cox excels in big spots; Prat replaces Geroux for tactical edge from rail. Peak figures (108 high); fast dirt specialist. The one to beat in first vs. elders.
PP 2: British Isles (5yo gelding, by Justify – Harbour Cat)
Jockey: Diego A. Herrera (up-and-coming, 14% win rate). Trainer: David Fawkes (local, 16% win rate). Weight: 123 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 2nd (102) at DMR Native Diver S. G3 (11/23/2025, 1 1/8m dirt); 1st (100) at SA Allow (10/19/2025, 1m turf); 2nd (98) at DMR Allow (9/7/2025, 1 1/16m turf); 3rd (96) at SA LS (8/3/2025, 1m turf); 1st (99) at KEE Allow (4/20/2025, 1 1/16m turf).
Analysis: Turf-to-dirt switcher placed in G3 last out; Fawkes targets home track. Herrera retains ride; figures improving on dirt. Versatile but class test; prefers firm but unproven sloppy. Longshot for exotics.
PP 3: Full Serrano (ARG) (6yo horse, by Full Mast – Serranilla)
Jockey: Joel Rosario (Hall of Famer, 22% win rate). Trainer: John W. Sadler (West Coast specialist, 20% in G1s). Weight: 123 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (110) at DMR Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile G1 (11/1/2025, 1m dirt); 2nd (107) at SA Goodwood S. G1 (9/28/2025, 1 1/8m dirt); 1st (105) at DMR Allow (9/1/2025, 1m dirt); Layoff prior; 1st (103) at SA Allow (11/25/2024, 7f dirt).
Analysis: 2024 BC Dirt Mile upset winner at 13-1; Sadler’s charge tested 9f in G1 runner-up. Rosario rides again; high figures (110 peak). Pacesetter who needs clear lead; sloppy okay per pedigree. Win threat if uncontested.
PP 4: Banishing (5yo gelding, by Ghostzapper – Dowager)
Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz (aggressive, 20% win rate). Trainer: David Jacobson (value trainer, 15% win rate). Weight: 123 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 3rd (100) at GP Harlan’s Holiday S. G3 (12/28/2025, 1 1/16m dirt); 1st (102) at AQU Allow (11/16/2025, 1m dirt); 2nd (99) at BEL LS (10/12/2025, 1 1/8m dirt); 4th (97) at SAR Allow (8/17/2025, 1m dirt); 1st (101) at GP Allow (3/23/2025, 1m dirt).
Analysis: Consistent board-hitter in stakes preps; Jacobson’s claimer-turned-contender. Ortiz stalks; figures steady. Gulfstream affinity; handles off tracks. Value underneath.
PP 5: Skippylongstocking (7yo horse, by Exaggerator – Twinkling)
Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione (local ace, 22% win rate). Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph Jr. (hot barn, 21% locally). Weight: 123 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (105) at GP Harlan’s Holiday S. G3 (12/28/2025, 1 1/16m dirt); 1st (107) at GP Mr. Prospector S. G3 (11/23/2025, 7f dirt); 1st (104) at GP Bold Ruler S. G3 (10/26/2025, 6.5f dirt); 3rd (101) at SAR Forego S. G1 (8/24/2025, 7f dirt); 4th (99) at GP Pegasus WC G1 (1/25/2025, 1 1/8m dirt).
Analysis: Three-time G3 winner in 2025; Joseph’s veteran loves Gulfstream (11-for-17 ITM at 1 1/8m). Gaffalione knows him; figures competitive. Closer needs pace; sloppy proven. Exotic staple.
PP 6: Madaket Road (5yo gelding, by Quality Road – Madaket Millie)
Jockey: Mike Smith (Hall of Famer, 20% win rate). Trainer: Bob Baffert (legend, 28% in G1s). Weight: 123 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 2nd (103) at SA Malibu S. G1 (12/26/2025, 7f dirt); 1st (105) at DMR Allow (11/24/2025, 1m dirt); 3rd (101) at SA LS (10/5/2025, 1 1/16m dirt); 1st (104) at DMR MSW (8/31/2025, 1m dirt); Layoff prior.
Analysis: Lightly raced improver with G1 placing; Baffert ships west. Smith rides big races; rising figures. Stretcher unproven at distance; fast preferred. Upset if matures.
PP 7: Tappan Street (4yo colt, by Tapit – Street Mary)
Jockey: Luis Saez (strong finisher, 24% win rate). Trainer: Brad H. Cox (see above). Weight: 123 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (108) at GP Florida Derby G1 (3/30/2025, 1 1/8m dirt); 4th (102) at BEL Belmont S. G1 (6/8/2025, 1 1/4m dirt); 5th (100) at CD Kentucky Derby G1 (5/4/2025, 1 1/4m dirt); 1st (105) at GP Allow (2/24/2025, 1 1/16m dirt); 2nd (101) at GP MSW (1/27/2025, 1m dirt).
Analysis: Beat Sovereignty in Florida Derby; Cox’s second. Saez aggressive; high figures. Gulfstream edge; sloppy okay. Win contender vs. stablemate.
PP 8: Poster (4yo colt, by Munnings – Poster Girl)
Jockey: Junior Alvarado (versatile, 15% win rate). Trainer: Eoin G. Harty (Godolphin private, 16% win rate). Weight: 123 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 2nd (102) at GP Harlan’s Holiday S. G3 (12/28/2025, 1 1/16m dirt); 1st (104) at AQU Allow (11/17/2025, 1m dirt); 1st (101) at BEL MSW (10/13/2025, 7f dirt); Turf prior: 1st (99) at SAR Allow (8/18/2025, 1m turf); 2nd (97) at GP Allow (3/24/2025, 1 1/16m turf).
Analysis: Adds blinkers for dirt focus; Harty’s upside play. Alvarado stalks; improving figures. Pace beneficiary; fast dirt unproven but pedigree fits. Value longshot.
PP 9: Captain Cook (5yo gelding, by Munnings – Cook Inlet)
Jockey: Edgard Zayas (local, 19% win rate). Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph Jr. (see above). Weight: 123 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 4th (100) at GP Allow (12/14/2025, 1m dirt); 1st (102) at GP LS (11/9/2025, 1 1/16m dirt); 2nd (99) at BEL Allow (10/6/2025, 1m dirt); 3rd (97) at SAR LS (8/11/2025, 1 1/8m dirt); 1st (101) at GP Allow (3/2/2025, 1m dirt).
Analysis: Gulfstream regular with stakes placings; Joseph’s third. Zayas knows track; steady figures. Mid-pack runner; exotics if rebounds.
PP 10: Mika (5yo gelding, by Gun Runner – Mika’s Gift)
Jockey: Javier Castellano (Hall of Famer, 21% win rate). Trainer: Brendan P. Walsh (consistent, 17% win rate). Weight: 123 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 3rd (101) at GP Harlan’s Holiday S. G3 (12/28/2025, 1 1/16m dirt); 1st (103) at CD Allow (11/23/2025, 1 1/8m dirt); 2nd (100) at KEE LS (10/19/2025, 1 1/16m dirt); 4th (98) at CD G3 (9/21/2025, 1m dirt); 1st (102) at CD Allow (5/25/2025, 1m dirt).
Analysis: Recent G3 placer; Walsh’s charge in form. Castellano closes; competitive figures. Distance suits; sloppy proven. Value in exotics.
PP 11: White Abarrio (6yo horse, by Race Day – Catching Diamonds)
Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr. (leading, 28% win rate). Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph Jr. (see above). Weight: 123 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (110) at GP Pegasus WC G1 (1/25/2025, 1 1/8m dirt); 4th (102) at SA BC Classic G1 (11/2/2025, 1 1/4m dirt); 3rd (100) at BEL Jockey Club Gold Cup G1 (9/1/2025, 1 1/4m dirt); 2nd (105) at SAR Whitney S. G1 (8/3/2025, 1 1/8m dirt); 1st (108) at GP Met Mile G1 (6/8/2025, 1m dirt).
Analysis: Defending winner and 2023 BC Classic champ; Joseph’s star. Ortiz retains; elite figures but recent 3 losses (17+ lengths). Layoff, wide post concerns; Gulfstream beast (8-for-10). Rebound candidate.
PP 12: Brotha Keny (5yo gelding, by Competitive Edge – Gold Case)
Jockey: Edgard Zayas (see above). Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph Jr. (see above). Weight: 123 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 5th (98) at GP Harlan’s Holiday S. G3 (12/28/2025, 1 1/16m dirt); 1st (100) at GP Allow (11/16/2025, 1m dirt); 2nd (99) at BEL Allow (10/12/2025, 1 1/8m dirt); 3rd (97) at SAR Allow (8/17/2025, 1m dirt); 1st (101) at GP Allow (3/23/2025, 1m dirt).
Analysis: Allowance grinder stepping up; Joseph’s fourth. Zayas rides; modest figures. Wide draw hurts; longshot for minors.
