Former leading Kentucky Derby hope Locked and 2023 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner White Abarrio feature in the $3 million Pegasus World Cup, a Grade 1 which could have an impact on running plans for the major-money races on dirt in the Middle East.
But the build-up to the Pegasus has been somewhat overshadowed by conflicting reports surrounding owner 1/ST Racing’s commitment to the long-term future of the Gulfstream Park site, after local breeders were offered an assurance that racing would continue until at least 2028.
1/ST Racing president Aidan Butler has since attempted to assuage any fears about Gulfstream’s potential demise, underlining that the date was designed to offer medium-term assurance to breeders but that it was not any sort of deadline.
Butler has however reiterated the company’s wish to decouple the casino licence attached to the site with racing operations in order to be able to bring in outside financial partners, something he argues would not be attractive to potential investors were Florida horseman to retain an influence on operational decisions.
While that row rumbles on in the background, both the market principals for the feature race on the card are on the comeback trail in one sense or another.
White Abarrio has been sent back to the care of his original trainer Saffie Joseph Jr, who had his licence suspended in middle of 2023 following a spate of racecourse accidents at Churchill Downs.
Having then won the Whitney Stakes and Breeders’ Cup Classic for trainer Rick Dutrow, the son of Race Day ran poorly in both the Saudi Cup and Metropolitan Handicap, but looked to be on his way back to form when dropped in grade for his first run back with Joseph.
“He’s become calm. He is coming into this race the best so hopefully that carries over to raceday,” said Joseph, who will look for White Abarrio to make the most of a good draw in stall four, having been slowly away last time in the Mr Prospector Stakes.
A knee injury took Locked off the Derby trail last February but he made a victorious return in the Grade 2 Cigar Mile at Aqueduct last month.
“We feel like he’s a two-turn horse and he’s going to appreciate stretching out to a mile and an eighth,” said trainer Todd Pletcher, whose colt must overcome gate 11. “It’s a difficult draw but hopefully he can show enough tactical speed to put himself into a good position on the first turn.”
The two Grade 1 turf races on the undercard both have the added incentive of a win-and-you’re-in pathway to the Sussex Stakes and Nassau Stakes at the Qatar Goodwood Festival.
Charlie Appleby and William Buick will be hoping to get their North American year off to a good start with Arlington Million winner Nations Pride, who is likely to start favourite for the Pegasus World Cup Turf (9.55) over 1m1f against the Shug McGaughey-trained Integration, the mount of Frankie Dettori.
“We are popping cheekpieces on just because he is dropping back to nine furlongs and we want to keep him sharp,” said Appleby. “He looks a worthy favourite and the one they have to beat.”
by Racing Post
