How to bet the 2021 Pegasus Stakes

A handful of three-year-olds will travel 1 1/16 miles on the Monmouth Park main surface in Sunday’s $150,000 Pegasus S. Risen Star S. (G2) victor #2 Mandaloun, who crossed the wire in second in the Kentucky Derby (G1) in his most recent effort, is the standout in the cast. The Juddmonte homebred is using this race as a prep for the Haskell Invitational S. (G1) on the surface in the summer, but he still seems too classy for this contest.

Unbeaten from a pair of races at two, the top sophomore has run well in all but one lifetime performance to date, and he might have been a bit unlucky in the Run for the Roses when he was restrained along the backside while obviously eager on the day. The well-bred son of Into Mischief seems perfectly placed for a 1 1/16-mile contest off the layoff, and his morning activity indicates that he will put a good foot forward on Sunday. Regular jockey Florent will come in to ride.

#4 Weyburn is the obvious main threat to the favorite for Jimmy Jerkens. The son of Pioneerof the Nile was victorious when making his stakes debut in the Gotham S. (G3) two back, prior to finishing fourth beaten by three lengths in the Wood Memorial S. (G2) at Aqueduct.

The dark bay has speed and has been patiently handled by his conditioner, as they are aiming for a strong second half of the season. While I still feel that Weyburn is more of a one-paced type that will prosper with additional ground, he wouldn’t be a huge surprise on Sunday if he clears the field in the early stages under Dylan Davis.

Remsen S. (G2) winner #1 Brooklyn Strong has been placed in two very demanding spots to kickstart 2021 and makes much more sense from off the pace in the Pegasus S. Trained by Danny Velazquez, the son of Wicked Strong was never a factor in the Kentucky Derby last time out, but he had to need the race and will benefit from the fitness he received in Louisville. I could see him rallying for second if the top pair knock heads early on.

Pletcher’s #3 Dr. Jack is perfect from two lifetime tries to date. The well-bred sort is cut out to run all day, but I am not sure how classy he is right now after facing inferior foes to date. I will toss the colt on the bottom of one of my tickets, however.

Pegasus Wagers

• $30 trifecta 2 with 1 with 4 ($30)
• $10 trifecta 2 with 4 with 1,3 ($20)