With the post-position draw looming, the Pegasus World Cup picture began to sharpen as several leading contenders completed their final serious pieces of work on Saturday morning, spread across training centres from Florida to California. The scene was one of quiet purpose rather than theatre, with trainers focused on fine margins rather than headlines as the clock ticked toward next weekend’s showcase at Gulfstream Park.
Seven of the 12 scheduled runners were on track, including a strong contingent from the barn of Brad Cox, who sent two key hopes to Payson Park Training Center. Tappan Street, already established as one of the division’s standard-bearers after his Florida Derby triumph, delivered the fastest move of the morning there. The Into Mischief colt stopped the clock in 1:01.60 for five furlongs, working smoothly in company before edging clear late. Stablemate Disco Time, unbeaten and lightly raced, followed with a controlled solo breeze in 1:01.80, reinforcing the impression of a horse still on the upward curve.
On the West Coast, Santa Anita played host to three more Pegasus World Cup hopefuls. Madaket Road, aiming to give his connections another success in the race, posted a sharp 59.20 seconds for five furlongs, one of the quicker efforts at the distance during the session. Full Serrano, already a top-level winner over a mile, was not far behind in 59.80, while British Isles completed his preparation with a steady 1:00.40, appearing relaxed and balanced throughout.
Further east, activity continued at Gulfstream Park itself, where Mika, runner-up in the Cigar Mile on his most recent start, worked five furlongs in 59.22 under the watchful eye of his trainer. At Palm Meadows, Brotha Keny, preparing for his first appearance for a new stable after success in New Mexico, covered the same distance in 1:02.05, a maintenance move designed to keep him ticking over.
The post-position draw for the landmark tenth running of the Pegasus World Cup, along with its companion turf events, will take place on Sunday afternoon at Gulfstream Park. The main race will headline a deep supporting programme on Saturday, serving as the centrepiece of a day that has become one of the most significant fixtures on the North American winter calendar.
As final preparations conclude, attention now turns from the stopwatch to the draw board. With fitness largely assured across the field, tactics and positioning are set to play a defining role when the gates open next weekend.
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