Meet the Contenders: 2023 Pegasus World Cup

Proxy - ****

• Pro: In best form of his career after signature victory in the Clark (G1).
• Con: Has more seconds and thirds than wins at this level.

Simplification - **

• Pro: Has always done his best running over the Gulfstream strip.
• Con: On past form, seems more likely for a minor share.

Riden With Biden - *

• Pro: A king at Parx of late with three stakes wins in his last four starts.
• Con: Winless in two prior tries at Gulfstream and not battle tested against top company.

White Abarrio - ***

• Pro: Undefeated in four tries locally, including course-and-distance Florida Derby (G1).
• Con: Well beaten in last two meetings with Cyberknife.

Defunded - ***

• Pro: Seeking third straight following scores in Awesome Again (G1) and Native Diver (G3).
• Con: Provides more gas in an already speed-laden field.

Art Collector - **

• Pro: Grade 1 veteran has the early foot to be prominent early.
• Con: Seemingly peaked in 2021 and generally an all-or-nothing type.

Skippylongstocking - ****

• Pro: Earned strong 103 Brisnet speed rating for two-length Harlan’s Holiday (G3) win.
• Con: Previous tries against cream of division leave a little to be desired.

Get Her Number - **

• Pro: Game second against more experienced veteran in Cigar Mile (G1) last out.
• Con: Solid one-turn performer, but two turns have not been agreeable in the past.

Last Samurai - *

• Pro: Could be a surprise contender if he runs back to his Oaklawn H. (G2) win from last spring.
• Con: Looks several cuts below from a class perspective.

Cyberknife - *****

• Pro: Multiple G1 winner is fast and classy enough to win this career finale.
• Con: Not immune from throwing a mild clunker, and will offer no value.

Stiletto Boy - **

• Pro: Third here behind Life Is Good and Knicks Go last year; might be overlooked.
• Con: Inconsistent visitor to the winner’s circle; margins of defeat often decisive.

O’Connor - ***

• Pro: Chilean G1 winner impressive two back and should appreciate longer distance.
• Con: Modest fourth when favored in the Harlan’s Holiday; perhaps a cut below.

Hoist the Gold 

• SCRATCHED

Endorsed - *

• Pro: Distant fourth in this last year not bad given low expectations.
• Con: Also-eligible also cross-entered in Hooper, where he’d stand a better chance.

RELATED: Tipsheet: 2023 Pegasus World Cup