Regardless of snowfall and sub-zero temperatures in elements of the nation, the 2026 turf racing season will get underway in earnest with the primary turf G1 stakes of 2026, the Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational Stakes. With $1 million in prize cash at stake, it is no surprise there are 12 well-matched turfs and one extra horse eligible.
1. Take a look at rating (Morning line odds are 8-1): The secure 4-year-old horse will compete in opposition to older horses for the primary time. He has the rails, however his pace numbers do not evaluate to the highest older horses within the discipline.
Jockey: Manny Franco. coach: graham movement
2. program buying and selling (5-2): Through the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile Offered by PDJF part, he fell too far again and had a visitors downside. He solely misplaced by 5 1/4 lengths on today and may benefit from the elevated distance.
Jockey: Flavien Prat; coach: chad brown
3. Seashore Gold (15-1): With this preparation, he rose to 3rd place within the Grade 3 Ft. Lauderdale Stakes. If he reveals off his finest race, he has an opportunity to make his mark on the unique world.
Jockey: David Egan; coach: Patrick Biancone
4. One stripe (12-1): He confirmed distinctive pace within the Breeders’ Cup mile earlier than tiring. After that, he returned to his closing model and had enjoyable complaining concerning the allowance possibility. With the best car, you may sneak into the image late.
Jockey: Gavin Lerena. coach: graham movement
5. Almendares (20-1): He constantly ranks in Grade 2 and Grade 3 stakes on the West Coast. The gap is questionable because it has not been examined at distances as little as 1 1/8 miles in 10 begins in 2024-2025.
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli. coach: Phil D’Amato
6. name signal seven (15-1): He bounced again from seventh place the ultimate furlong to win the 1 1/16-mile Seabiscuit Handicap at Del Mar on November 29 after greater than 8 1/2 months off. He’ll have to take a step ahead to change into a prime menace right here, but it surely’s not not possible.
Jockey: Ricardo Gonzalez. coach: michael mccarthy
7. Main (8-1): He was sixth in final yr’s race with a rating of 5.80-1, so judging by the percentages, he’s within the again class. Though he ran in 17 of the 26 races, he has not gained a serious prize in over a yr.
Jockey: Irado Ortiz Jr.; coach: tod plecher
8. cape spirit (8-1): It seems like you may catch a speedy Californian. Regardless of the massive discipline, there’s a chance of working away at an inexpensive tempo. He gained the 1 1/8-mile San Gabriel Stakes at Santa Anita up entrance, so he has the flexibility to hold on till the top.
Jockey: Mike Smith; coach: George Papaplodromou
9. chasing the crown (20-1): Revival from 12pmth He completed third in final yr’s Pegasus World Cup Turf. He has began solely thrice since then, failing to pose a menace within the graded stakes in his final two runs.
Jockey: Joel Rosario. coach: microphone maker
10. cousin (7-2): It was the second place sport at Ft. Previous to that he gained the Grade 3 Redsmith Stakes at Lauderdale. This put up could also be problematic, however he is price critical consideration.
Jockey: John Velasquez. coach: shag mcgoey
11. astronomer (15-1): He’s aggressive within the G2 and G3 stakes, however his 22-3 profession file does not bode effectively in comparison with his eleventh place within the G1 stakes.
Jockey: Jose Ortiz; coach: Simon Callaghan
12. fort washington (10-1): In final yr’s race, he got here out of twelfth and completed a decent fifth place, regardless of being chased by Route 8 throughout the stretch run. He gained the Arlington Million in a mile and 1 / 4 to change into a Grade 1 winner, however he has not raced since early September, when he completed a snug sixth within the $2.5 million Kentucky Downs Stakes. There’s an opportunity he can bounce again with a giant effort right here, however touchdown on put up 12 once more will not assist his possibilities.
Jockey: Junior Alvarado coach: shag mcgoey
13. Balnikov (additionally relevant): After ending eighth up to now two main races, he’ll have to be a scratch with a view to run.
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli. coach: Phil D’Amato
choose: program buying and selling
Dwell lengthy shot: one stripe
fantastic: 2-8-10-4
