The Pegasus World Cup Invitational finally yielded to persistence and patience on Saturday at Gulfstream Park, as Skippylongstocking delivered a career-defining performance to land the Grade 1 prize at the fourth time of asking. The seven-year-old gelding, owned by Daniel Alonso and trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., produced a stirring late surge to defeat reigning champion White Abarrio and secure one of the most coveted victories on the North American winter calendar.
The landmark success came in the 10th running of the Pegasus World Cup Invitational, which closed a high-quality 13-race programme featuring 10 stakes contests and seven graded events. With purses totalling more than $5.6 million, the meeting also included the Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational (G1) and the Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf Invitational (G2), reinforcing Gulfstream Park’s status as a major stage for elite performers.
Skippylongstocking had signalled his readiness with a strong victory in the Harlan’s Holiday Stakes (G3) in late December, but his history in this race was well known. Earlier attempts had ended in disappointment, including a distant third behind White Abarrio last year. This time, however, everything aligned.
Settled patiently by Tyler Gaffalione, Skippylongstocking was allowed to find his rhythm well off the early leaders as Disco Time set an honest tempo. Approaching the far turn, White Abarrio swept forward to strike the front and briefly looked poised to defend his crown. Gaffalione, still composed, angled Skippylongstocking between rivals, and the response was immediate. Lengthening with authority, the son of Exaggerator surged past his stablemate inside the final furlong to score by one and three-quarter lengths in a time of 1:48.49 for nine furlongs.
“It’s amazing,” Joseph said afterward. “At seven years old, he’s doing better than ever. That last prep told us a lot, but today he went to another level.”
Gaffalione echoed the sentiment, praising the gelding’s professionalism and heart. He described a smooth trip, a horse who travelled kindly throughout, and a decisive moment when Skippylongstocking split runners and found his best stride at exactly the right time.
White Abarrio, returning from a lengthy absence, lost no credit in defeat. The accomplished seven-year-old finished a clear second, well ahead of Full Serrano in third, underlining the depth of quality in the contest. Captain Cook stayed on for fourth, while early leader Disco Time weakened late. Tappan Street, winner of last season’s Florida Derby, was unable to make an impact on the day.
For Alonso, the victory carried deep emotional weight. “He just found another gear today,” he said. “To finally win this race, and to beat a champion like White Abarrio, means everything.”
The win elevated Skippylongstocking beyond $3.7 million in career earnings and earned him automatic qualification for the Breeders’ Cup Classic later in the year, a fitting reward for a horse whose resilience and consistency have long deserved a moment in the spotlight.
The Pegasus World Cup Invitational may be known for its stars, but this year it was perseverance that stole the show.
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