Horak: How I’m betting the 2020 Pegasus World Cup Turf – Horse Racing Nation

Saturday’s second running of the Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1) is packed with late runners and turf marathoners, and the pace should be on the tepid side. Tactical position and trips will be vital to success.

Before deciding how to play Saturday’s 11th race at Gulfstream Park, let’s meet the field.

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The Favorite

#12 Magic Wand (7-2) is a classy world traveler for Aidan O’Brien. The 10-furlong specialist is versatile and probably deserves to be the favorite, but she is only 3-for-22 lifetime with eight runner-up finishes.

Value Win Contenders

#3 Without Parole (4-1) won his first four overseas turf starts but has dropped six straight since. He moved to the Chad Brown barn and finished an encouraging third off the bench in the Breeders’ Cup Mile, and the eight-furlong specialist is interesting if he handles the added ground. He reunites with winning rider Frankie Dettori but has not scored since June 2018.

#10 Mo Forza (5-1) steps up to face salty older foes. He has won four straight for Peter Miller and his tactical speed should serve him well in this spot. Joel Rosario is 2-for-2 with him.

Live Longshots

#6 Instilled Regard (10-1), a name from the 2018 Kentucky Derby trail, has since found a home on turf for Brown. He got the jump on the late runners in the Fort Lauderdale (G2) and could do the same in this spot.

#7 Admission Office (30-1) has been knocking on the door in the graded ranks. The late runner scored at this distance in 2018 and will try to get involved late under his excellent new rider, Flavien Prat. I have been playing this one in his other races and almost have to make a small win wager at this price.

Remaining Entrants

#1 Zulu Alpha (12-1) is a classy turf marathon specialist cutting back in distance. These are probably a bit too tough for the 7-year-old gelding.

#2 Arklow (6-1) is another turf marathon runner trying a shorter distance. He probably wants more ground.

#4 Sadler’s Joy (8-1) packs a nice late kick but might run out of ground. He will be finishing.

#5 Channel Cat (10-1) has more tactical speed than the other distance turf runners. He tuned up for this with a decent third in the Fort Lauderdale.

#8 Henley’s Joy (30-1) make this first start against older rivals. He can stalk or close, but others look better.

#9 Next Shares (30-1) finished a well-beaten seventh in this event last year on yielding turf, and he had an uncomfortable trip that day. That began a six-race skid, and he rebounded with a 27-1 upset in the Seabiscuit (G2) on Nov. 30 at Del Mar.

#11 Sacred Life (12-1) is consistent and versatile for Chad Brown. Like many of these, he needs pace help and racing luck.

AE #13 Tusk (30-1) is a decent miler with early-pressing speed. He can impact the pace if he gets in, but does not look classy enough to threaten these when the real running begins.

Suggested Wagers

#7 to win

Exacta 3-6-7-10/12

Superfecta 3-10/3-10-12/ALL/3-6-7-10-12