The Pegasus World Cup, scheduled for March 30, 2024, at Gulfstream Park, has drawn a full field of 12 horses, despite the absence of several top contenders. With a purse of $3 million, it ranks as one of the richest races in American horse racing, trailing only behind the Breeders’ Cup, Kentucky Derby, and the Nashville Derby at Kentucky Downs. However, a recent review of rankings by Daily Racing Form indicates that only one of the top ten older dirt males will participate in the event.
One key factor contributing to the limited participation of elite horses is the proximity of the Pegasus to the $20 million Saudi Cup, which takes place just three weeks later. Many trainers and owners have opted to focus their efforts on the Saudi Cup, which is viewed as a more lucrative opportunity. Of the top ten older horses ranked by Daily Racing Form, only Disco Time, ranked #10, will compete in the Pegasus World Cup.
Disco Time enters the race as the morning-line favorite with odds of 8-5. The son of Not This Time has remained unbeaten in five starts and arrives following dominating victories in ungraded stakes at Aqueduct and Fairmount Park. However, his experience in graded races is limited, with his sole victory coming by a narrow margin in last year’s Lecomte Stakes (G3). He has yet to compete at the challenging distance of nine furlongs.
In terms of competition, White Abarrio stands as the second choice with odds of 4-1. The horse boasts a successful 2023 season, including wins at the Whitney Stakes and the Breeders’ Cup Classic. If White Abarrio performs at his best, he is expected to be a formidable presence in the race. Nevertheless, he last raced nearly six months ago and finished fourth in three Grade 1 events towards the end of 2025.
Another notable contender is Full Serrano, listed at odds of 12-1. The Argentine-bred horse made headlines with a victory in the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at odds of 13-1. However, Full Serrano has struggled at longer distances, including a disappointing finish in last year’s Goodwood Stakes (G1).
Also in the mix is Tappan Street, who holds odds of 8-1. Tappan Street is coming off a nine-month injury hiatus but returned to secure victory in a one-mile allowance race on December 19. Additionally, Skippylongstocking, at 15-1, could present an interesting opportunity for bettors, as he has secured over $3.7 million throughout his career, despite being winless in 11 Grade 1 events.
Other horses to watch include Mika at 10-1, who has shown significant improvement with recent victories, and Banishing, listed at 20-1, known for his earlier successes in the Oaklawn Mile (G3) and Charles Town Classic (G3).
The remaining contenders in the Pegasus World Cup include Madaket Road (10-1), Captain Cook (15-1), Poster (20-1), British Isles (20-1), and Brotha Keny (30-1).
As the Pegasus World Cup approaches, the excitement builds, and while the field may not include the very top horses, it promises to deliver a thrilling race for fans and bettors alike.
