The Pegasus World Cup Invitational is shaping up to be a fascinating showdown this Jan. 24 at Gulfstream Park, with Lawrence P. Roman and trainer David Jacobson’s Banishing earning a late invitation. The seasoned Ghostzapper gelding adds experience and proven class to a field already brimming with top-tier talent.
The 6-year-old Ghostzapper gelding brings depth and experience to the Pegasus World Cup Invitational, having long proved his class at the highest level. A Grade 1–placed performer and multiple graded-stakes winner, Banishing has amassed more than $1.6 million in earnings and arrives as a hardened contender capable of holding his own in elite company.
Bishops Bay Withdrawn as Field Adjusts
The list of invitees has also seen notable movement in the opposite direction. KAS Stables’ Bishops Bay, fresh from his authoritative victory in the Dec. 6 Cigar Mile (G2) at Aqueduct, was withdrawn at the request of his connections. His departure, however, does not diminish trainer Brad Cox’s presence on the big stage.
Cox remains strongly represented by Tappan Street, the Curlin Florida Derby (G1) winner who recently returned to form with a polished allowance victory at Gulfstream, and Disco Time, Juddmonte’s unbeaten 4-year-old by Not This Time. Disco Time extended his flawless record to five with a decisive success in the Dwyer at Aqueduct, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most exciting developing horses in the division.
Further Changes to the Pegasus World Cup Invitational Line-Up
Additional withdrawals include Sharaf Mohamad Alhariri and Lucky Seven Stable’s Rattle N Roll, a seven-figure earner trained by Kenny McPeek, and Chunk of Gold, the Ethan West trainee who finished a gallant second in the Clark (G2) after starting in the Kentucky Derby. Their absence reshapes the competitive balance but leaves the field rich in quality and narrative.
At the top of the pecking order stands White Abarrio, who is set to defend his title after a dominant six-and-a-half-length victory in last year’s running. Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. will also saddle Skippylongstocking, a consistent graded-stakes performer who arrives off a strong win in the Harlan’s Holiday at Gulfstream.
Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert will again have a high-profile presence through Goal Oriented, the Malibu (G1) winner whose speed and composure mark him as a serious threat. A victory would give Baffert an unprecedented fourth success in the race, adding further historical weight to the Pegasus World Cup Invitational narrative.
Rounding out the main field are Captain Cook, Full Serrano, Poster, and Touchuponastar, each bringing a distinct profile and adding further intrigue to a line-up that blends proven champions with upwardly mobile challengers.
Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational Also Updated
The supporting $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational (G1) has also undergone adjustments. El Potente and Win for the Money will not take part, with their places filled by Astronomer and Fort Washington.
Astronomer, trained by Simon Callaghan, closed his season with consecutive runner-up efforts in the Seabiscuit and San Gabriel, while Fort Washington, under the care of Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey, boasts a standout Arlington Million victory on his résumé. McGaughey is also represented by Cugino, a consistent graded performer who recently finished second in the Fort Lauderdale at Gulfstream.
Completing the prominent nominations is Test Score, trained by Graham Motion, whose victories in the Belmont Derby and Twilight Derby last season underline his credentials as a major turf contender.
With the field now taking final shape, the Pegasus World Cup Invitational promises another compelling chapter, blending championship form, emerging stars, and storied connections on one of the sport’s most anticipated stages.
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