Klaravich Stable’s accomplished campaigner Program Trading emerged as the early focal point of the Pegasus World Cup Turf on Sunday after drawing an ideal inside gate during the post-position ceremony at Gulfstream Park’s Carousel Club. The $1 million Grade 1 contest, to be run over 1 1/8 miles on grass, anchors a high-profile card featuring ten stakes races and brings together a deep, international field of older turf performers.
Set to contest the eighth running of the Pegasus World Cup Turf, Program Trading will break from Post 2 under Flavien Prat when the gates open on Saturday. The six-year-old bay ridgling faces 11 rivals in a race that blends proven Grade 1 winners, seasoned millionaires, and emerging international talent, adding further intrigue to one of the winter season’s marquee turf events.
A model of quality across a lightly raced but distinguished career, Program Trading has earned nearly $1.6 million from just ten starts. Trained by Chad Brown, he has been beaten only twice outside the placings. His most recent appearance came in the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Del Mar last November, following a campaign that also included runner-up finishes in the Bernard Baruch at Saratoga and the Turf Mile at Keeneland.
Program Trading’s résumé sparkles with elite-level success. As a three-year-old in 2023, he captured both the Saratoga Derby Invitational and the Hollywood Derby, before returning at four to land the Turf Classic in one of only two starts that season. That efficiency and class have made him a natural headline act for the Pegasus World Cup Turf, even in such a competitive lineup.
Brown, no stranger to success in this race, has already lifted the Pegasus Turf trophy twice—first with Bricks and Mortar in 2019 and again last year with Spirit of St Louis. He shares the distinction of multiple victories with fellow conditioners Mike Maker and Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher, both of whom are again represented.
Pletcher sends out Major Dude, a durable and consistent performer who returns to Gulfstream’s grass where he has repeatedly shown an affinity for the course. Maker, meanwhile, relies on the veteran Chasing the Crown, who finished third in last year’s renewal and continues to seek a breakthrough at the top level.
Pegasus World Cup Turf contenders add international and classic depth
The race also showcases fresh faces with strong credentials. Trainer Graham Motion saddles two notable runners, led by Test Score, the Belmont Derby winner who rounded off his season with a close third in the Hollywood Derby. Stablemate One Stripe brings South African Group 1 form and arrives off his first North American victory, suggesting further improvement is possible.
Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey fields a pair in Cugino and Fort Washington. Cugino comes off a solid second in the Fort Lauderdale Stakes, a traditional stepping stone to this event, while Fort Washington adds further Grade 1 depth as a former Arlington Million winner and one of several millionaires in the field.
Completing a well-balanced line-up are Cabo Spirit, Call Sign Seven, Almendares, Astronomer, Beach Gold and the also-eligible Balnikhov—each a stakes winner and all capable of making their presence felt should the race unfold to their strengths.
With a blend of proven champions, seasoned campaigners and international intrigue, the Pegasus World Cup Turf once again promises a searching examination of class and versatility on Gulfstream Park’s grass.
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