Florida Derby (G1) winner Tappan Street took an important step forward in his preparation for the Pegasus World Cup Invitational with a strong workout on Saturday, his first piece of serious work since returning from an eight-month layoff with a polished victory on December 19.
The son of Into Mischief moved smoothly over the surface, working alone and stopping the clock in :49.2 for the half-mile before galloping out to 1:02.2. Trainer Brad Cox was encouraged by both the time and the manner of the move, particularly given the demanding conditions underfoot at Payson Park.
Cox noted that the track played deeper after the morning break, making the effort more meaningful as the $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational on January 24 approaches. The exercise marked another steady checkpoint in what has been a carefully managed comeback for one of the division’s leading older horses.
Also moving forward in Cox’s Pegasus World Cup Invitational plans is the unbeaten Disco Time, who completed a five-furlong breeze on Friday in 1:01. The stakes winner continues to impress his connections with his consistency and physical development.
Cox described Disco Time’s recent work as sharp and efficient, expressing satisfaction with how the horse has trained over the past few weeks. The colt’s progression has added further depth to Cox’s hand as the high-profile winter feature draws closer.
Away from the marquee preparations, Sunday’s 10-race programme at Gulfstream Park presents a varied card featuring developing three-year-olds and seasoned campaigners across dirt, turf, and synthetic surfaces.
The afternoon begins with younger horses in maiden company, including a six-furlong sprint for three-year-old fillies that has attracted a deep and competitive field. Several newcomers are set to make their first appearances, while lightly raced runners return with experience gained from earlier starts.
Later on the card, veteran campaigner Fly the W returns to action in a middle-distance contest on the Tapeta surface. The ten-year-old, a son of Ghostzapper, has been a model of durability throughout his career and resumes with an eye-catching record over the all-weather track.
Three-year-old fillies take centre stage again in a one-mile maiden special weight on the main track, where a mix of proven performers and well-bred runners early in their careers adds intrigue. Several high-value yearlings line up, including daughters of Munnings, Gun Runner, and Curlin.
The feature sprint on turf sees another established name return, with Xy Speed making his seasonal debut. Now ten, the multiple winner has earned more than $600,000 and remains a reliable presence at this level, facing fellow accomplished runners including stakes performers from recent seasons.
The closing races continue the theme of opportunity for emerging talent, with Florida-bred sprinters and a large field of three-year-old fillies contesting a one-turn mile on grass. Well-related newcomers and lightly raced fillies ensure the finale offers both quality and depth.
With leading trainers and riders in form and several horses resuming or stepping forward in their campaigns, the Gulfstream Park meeting provides valuable clues as the winter racing season builds toward its biggest targets, including the Pegasus World Cup Invitational.
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