Tipsheet: 2023 Pegasus World Cup Turf

An evenly matched field of 14, two of which are on the also-eligible list, will vie in Saturday’s $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1) at Gulfstream Park.

Pegasus World Cup Turf Selections

• #4 Hurricane Dream
• #9 Decorated Invader
• #12 City Man
• #10 Ivar

Pegasus World Cup Turf Selections

• $40 win: #4 Hurricane Dream
• $1 trifecta: box 4, 9, 10, 12

Pegasus World Cup Turf Contenders

#1 WIT (8-1): Has won or placed in each of his four tries since being moved to the lawn by Todd Pletcher. The Practical Joke colt closed well to be a close third in the recent Hollywood Derby (G1) and gets a cozy rail draw for this contest with Jose Ortiz in the controls.

#2 GOOD GOVERNANCE (15-1): Rallied to be fourth in the local Fort Lauderdale S. (G2) but will need a lifetime best to challenge this cast in the stretch for Anna Meah. The Kingman seven-year-old will be doing his best work late beneath Shaun Bridgmohan.

#3 ATONE (12-1): Beaten by just 1 3/4 lengths in the heat in 2022 and comes off of a dominant allowance victory at Aqueduct in his latest showing. The Mike Maker trainee has speed in a field lacking it and could be dangerous if he is left alone in the early going under Irad Ortiz.

#4 HURRICANE DREAM (15-1): Makes his U. S. debut for Team Valor and gets top billing in his first try for conditioner Graham Motion. The French-based gelding ran well against some fine foes in 2022, and I expect the six-year-old to be a menacing figure as the field turns for home in this endeavor after posting some solid morning drills in the Sunshine State as of late. Frankie Dettori will be in the stirrups.

#5 ONE MORE BID (20-1): Went from maiden winner to Grade 2 star when taking the Mathis Mile (G2) at Santa Anita last time out. The Ryan Hanson pupil will need another major step forward to make the frame in this spot, however, with Mike Smith inheriting the mount.

#6 LADY SPEIGHTSPEARE (6-1): Finished a fantastic third in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf (G1) behind a pair of superb performers most recently for Roger Attfield. The Speightstown chestnut had been on a three-race win streak prior to that affair, and she seems poised to tackle the boys and run well while always close to the pace on Saturday. Luis Saez retains the ride.

#7 SPEAKING SCOUT (8-1): Closed late to annex the Hollywood Derby (G1) in registering his first graded stakes triumph for Motion. The Mr Speaker gelding has been in good form since removing the blinkers three back, and the four-year-old could be a late exotics contender with another move in the right direction on Saturday. Paco Lopez will guide the peaking bay.

#8 WHO’S THE STAR (20-1): Shows five wins in his last six outings, including two on the green from a trio of turf engagements. The Mark Casse trainee has clearly never been better, and he is a wildcard who will have no trouble enduring the nine furlongs on Saturday. Emma-Jayne Wilson will be in the silks once again atop the son of Tonalist.

#9 DECORATED INVADER (15-1): Got back into his top form in 2022 for Christophe Clement. The six-year-old son of Declaration of War owns a win and a third from two local appearances and had a fine prep when second in the Fort Lauderdale S. (G2) in his latest endeavor. Junior Alvarado will be in the stirrups aboard the win threat.

#10 IVAR (5-2): Arguably the class of the field for trainer Paulo Lobo. The Grade 1 star was beaten a length in the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) in his most recent performance, and any improvement off of that will see the late-running seven-year-old in range inside the final furlong. Javier Castellano takes the reins.

#11 MASTER PIECE (10-1): A Grade 2 winner at the distance who will make his first start since coming to trainer Saffie Joseph. The son of Mastercraftsman was outrun in the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) at Keeneland most recently, but the gray cuts back in distance where he shows a perfect three-for-three mark at 1 1/8 miles. Tyler Gaffalione will be up.

#12 CITY MAN (4-1): Comes off of a sharp score in the Fort Lauderdale (G2) to make it three tallies in succession for Clement. The obvious win contender is clearly at his best currently and drilled a bullet five panels at Payson Park most recently to hint his readiness for Saturday. The Mucho Macho Man six-year-old will have Joel Rosario in the silks.

#13 KING CAUSE (30-1): Lacks consistency but is more than capable on his best day for Mike Maker. The eight-year-old gelding will need a lifetime-best showing to make the frame from this post if he draws into the field, however.

#14 STEADY ON (30-1): Has yet to face a field of this caliber and would be a big surprise while making his graded debut, especially from the widest post in the cast. The talented colt has a bright future for Todd Pletcher, but I can’t back him against these at this stage of his development.