This Saturday, the Pegasus World Cup Invitational kicks off at Gulfstream Park. It’s a highly anticipated event in the horse racing calendar. Last year’s champion, National Treasure, is back after winning a Triple Crown race prior. This year, Mystik Dan, the 2024 Kentucky Derby winner, aims to follow in National Treasure’s footsteps. However, Mystik Dan hasn’t found victory in his three races since the Derby and isn’t among the favorites, sitting at 8-1 in the odds for the 2025 Pegasus World Cup.
The race is scheduled for a 5:40 p.m. ET post time. The favorite going into this year’s Pegasus is Locked at 5-2 odds. Trained by Todd Pletcher, Locked has performed well recently, winning four of his six races. Following him in the odds are White Abarrio at 3-1 and Saudi Crown at 9-2. With a competitive field, it’s wise to gather insights before selecting your bets.
Gene Menez, a seasoned horse racing expert and former Sports Illustrated reporter, offers his predictions for the race. He has a strong track record, having accurately predicted the winners of major races in the past, including the Kentucky Derby. In 2015, Menez called the Kentucky Derby superfecta, which was a significant win, and he also profited from his selections during the Breeders’ Cup.
For this weekend’s race, Menez has analyzed the contenders and formulated his picks. One notable observation is his hesitance regarding Locked, the current favorite. Despite Locked’s impressive record, Menez points out that he’s faced limited competition and has a challenging starting position. After recovering from a knee injury that sidelined him for almost a year, this race will be Locked’s toughest since his return. Menez predicts he may lose ground early, making it hard to overcome that disadvantage.
Menez’s top pick is a horse well-suited for the nine-furlong distance. He’s also keeping an eye on a longshot who may surprise with an advantageous mid-pack position. His expert selections are certainly worth considering before placing your bets.
As we approach the Pegasus World Cup, keep these insights in mind to make informed choices. The excitement of the race day is just around the corner!
