Handicapper's Corner: Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational Stakes (G1)

Full Field Set for Inaugural Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational

By: Robert Marks, They're in the Gate (Twitter @theyreinthegate)

This is the first ever Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational at Gulfstream Park going 1 3/16 miles on the Turf with Gulfstream Park deciding to divide the $16 million pot of last years Pegasus on the dirt into 2 races, one on dirt for 9 million and one on Turf for 7 million.  It’s a little odd for a big Turf race in January as many of the European turf horses are taking a break getting ready for Spring racing. But there is a big amount of money up for grabs and we have a full field of 10 horses.

#4 Aerolithe- The big unknown here. This mare ships over from Japan. It is reported that she has shipped well to America. I think many will shy away from her leaving her morning line price of 5-1 very appealing. If this bib mare is anywhere near 3-1 or over, you should jump on it. Her connections have pointed to this race and her stalking style should be perfect for a stretch run finish in the top three.  

#2 Yoshida -How can you not like this horse who has one both on the dirt and the turf.  Last time out we saw him in the BC Classic on dirt. Connections of this horse must think he has a shot, or why wouldn’t they run him on the dirt again in the Pegasus World Cup on dirt for the 9 million. Watch his odds off the morning line of 5-2 which seems fair. The horse always tries and should be in all of your exotic bets.

#7 Bricks n Mortar-This 5-year-old horse has a win over this track at one mile back in December.  He is trained by Chad Brown with Irad Ortiz on board, a combo that is often sure money with good turf horses. This horse has been lightly run and seems to be improving and sitting on a big race. Tremendous valve at the morning line odds of 6-1. Watch the odds board, if he stays around 6-1 jump on those odds.

Longshot- #10 Dubby Dubbie—Love the name and who doesn’t love owner Ron Paolucci, who just bought this 4-year-old gelding to take a shot at the big purse. Gotta Love an owner who always takes shots and at 30-1 he can really juice up your exotics.

Wagering/Betting Handigambling Bankroll: Here is our $100 worth of betting for the race

$10 Exacta Box: #4, #2 = $20

$10 Trifecta #4,#2,#7 = $60

$20 Win: #4  = $20

Bonus Bet--Longshot $1 Trifecta Box #4,#2,#7,#10 = $24

As always, watch the Board and if at the track watch how the horses look in the Paddock and adjust your bets accordingly. Good Luck!