How I'm playing the Pegasus World Cup Late Pick 5

As a horse player, the best feeling in the world is when you know at the quarter pole you're going to get paid and it's only a matter of how much. Such was the case during last year's Pegasus World Cup (G1), when I was alive to both Gun Runner and West Coast in a Pick 5 and both had built plenty of distance between themselves and the rest of the field entering the stretch. While it would have been nice to see West Coast pull it off to more than double the payoff to a five-figure sum, there was no complaining afterwards in receiving a nice chunk of change for a mere $24 outlay. You can't rest on past glories, though it's nice to briefly recall a memorable score one year after the fact. I can wish for, but don't expect, a payoff as dazzling this time around, and wet weather and track conditions complicate matters at Gulfstream on this 2019 Pegasus World Cup day. Here's how I'll be playing the all-stakes Pick 5 that ends in the World Cup Race 8 -- La Prevoyante (G3) #9 SANTA MONICA (7-2) simply didn't have it on Breeders' Cup Day, by far her worst performance for Chad Brown since her importation. #5 TRICKY ESCAPE (9-2) and jockey Chris DeCarlo have made an excellent team for awhile. Distance and damp conditions should suit. Race 9 -- Fred W. Hooper (G3) #8 COPPER TOWN (6-1) still a promising sort despite a poor break derailing any chance he had in the Cigar Mile (G1). #6 AZTEC SENSE (7-2) and #9 UNBRIDLED JUAN (8-1) are both track-and-distance specialists facing slight class tests. Race 10 -- W. L. McKnight (G3) Trainer Mike Maker thrives in long-distance turf events like this. #2 SOGLIO (9-2) and #4 ZULU ALPHA (4-1) appear best of his contingent. Layoff a concern with #7 CANESSAR (5-1), but fits very well on form. #12 VILLAGE KING (10-1) will take them as far as he can under Johnny V. Race 11 -- Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1) A repeat of his performance from the Old Forester Turf Classic (G1) could get the job done for #2 YOSHIDA (5-2). Japanese invader #4 AEROLITHE (8-1) has reportedly looked the part since her arrival, now we'll see if she runs just as well. #9 CATAPULT (7-2) in career-best form since joining the John Sadler barn. A little unlucky to be caught late by Expert Eye in the Breeders' Cup Mile (G1). Race 12 -- Pegasus World Cup The two best horses in the race, on paper, are champion #5 ACCELERATE (2-1) and Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1) winner #3 CITY OF LIGHT (5-2). The others will need their running shoes to beat both of them. The 50-cent ticket: 5,9 with 6,8,9 with 2,4,7,12 with 2,4,9 with 3,5 = $72.   Accelerate seeks his fifth straight Grade 1 victory in the Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) on January 26, 2019, at Gulfstream Park (c) Adam Coglianese Photography/Lauren King