2017 Pegasus World Cup betting guide, form and free tips
THE Pegasus World Cup is a race which has changed the fabric of American racing and it all happens this Sunday at Gulfstream Park.
In its first edition, the Pegasus World Cup is the world’s richest race with a purse of US$12 million – with all 12 entrants putting in $1 million each.
The winner takes a cool $7 million home and a quality field has been presented, but all eyes will be on two champion runners which have attracted all the limelight.
California Chrome and Arrogate are rated as the two best thoroughbreds in the world after running one-two in the Breeders’ Cup and a classic rematch is on the cards this Sunday.
Bookmakers have given the edge to Arrogate, which got the better of California Chrome in the Breeders’ Cup, but punters are expecting nothing short of a competitive war down the Gulfstream Park straight.
Pegasus World Cup betting market
1. Arrogate – $2.25
2. Prayer For Relief – $101
3. Neolithic – $26
4. Noble Bird – $21
5. War Story – $67
6. War Envoy – $101
7. Shaman Ghost – $34
8. Semper Fortis – $51
9. Keen Ice – $26
10. Breaking Lucky – $34
11. Eragon – $51
12. California Chrome – $2.50
It has been a two-horse betting affair since the field was confirmed. Arrogate and California Chrome have taken the majority of the money, with the edge going to Arrogate.
California Chrome has been a punters’ favourite throughout its career and we’re expecting to see a late push for the former Kentucky Derby champion.
There has been some specking for Noble Bird at $21 and Keen Ice at $26, but most punters will be looking at those two runners to fill the third place spot.
Arrogate form guide and race prediction
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Owner: Juddmonte Farms
Form: 311111
Barrier: 1
Arrogate hasn’t suffered defeat since running third on debut and its last two wins were enough to secure it as the second highest-rated horse in the world.
The four-year-old won the Group 1 Travers Stakes, often known as the champions graveyard, when beating American Freedom and Gun Runner.
The real test came last time out when it raced against champion California Chrome for the Group 1 Breeders’ Cup Classic title. Arrogate was given a better ride and got the better of the champion, which was enough for bookmakers to install it as the $2.25 favourite at Sportsbet.
Arrogate will be partnered by champion jockey Mike Smith, who believes his runner is in great condition despite a limited preparation.
“He’s got stamina that doesn’t seem to end,” Smith said. “He’s relentless.
“Coming into the race without a prep puts him on the sharper side.”
Arrogate will receive all favours from the inside draw and Smith said the shorter race distance should switch the colt on nicely.
“Being where we’re drawn, that might be what we need,” Smith said. “You have to hope he breaks well and we get a good position into the first turn.
“It could be a blessing he’s going in a little sharper.
“The turns are big. My horse runs the turns very well. I hope I can really use that to my advantage.”
Smith was amazed at how easily Arrogate pulled up after its win in both the Travers and the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
“Pulled up, one breath, we’re done,” Smith said.
“You’re supposed to be hanging your head. I know he’s got that kind of air, that kind of stamina. And he’s got a stride that’s unmatchable.”
As for being ranked below California Chrome in the rankings, assistant trainer Jim Barnes was confident his stable has the better horse for the Pegasus World Cup.
“They can have Horse of the Year, we’ve got the best horse in the world,” Barnes said.
Arrogate is an obvious top-two chance and it deserves to be favourite after getting the better of California Chrome last start, but the drop back in distance will make it interesting and California Chrome has had the better preparation on the east coast.
California Chrome form and latest news
Trainer: Art Sherman
Owner: California Chrome LLC
Form: 111121
Barrier: 12
Fresh off winning the the title as the world’s best thoroughbred, California Chrome is out to exact its revenge on Arrogate.
The globetrotting six-year-old has nothing left to prove on the racetrack, but a defeat at the hands of Arrogate in the Breeders’ Cup Classic wouldn’t have left connections happy.
It scored an easy win in the Winter Challenge to prepare for this and the current $2.50 chance at CrownBet looks ready to perform at its best.
Trainer Art Sherman isn’t worried about the wide draw as it usually goes forward and sits on the pace.
“The only good thing I thought about this is he won’t have to be in the starting gate for long,” Sherman said.
“You can’t make any excuses. Chrome is Chrome. He’s got tactical speed. I was hoping that we might get closer inside. But he’s going to overcome all of this.”
The confidence isn’t lacking for the 79-year-old trainer who will saddle up California Chrome for the last time on Sunday.
“If the horse is good enough, he’s going to perform,” Sherman said.
“He’s good enough, believe me when I tell you, he’s a once-of-a-lifetime horse. He’s the real McCoy.”
The dousing of rain the eastern coast received over the last couple of months has worked to the advantage of California Chrome after Sherman decided to send his runner to Florida early, whereas Arrogate couldn’t get any work in due to the weather.
“What a big move that was for me. They’re just getting flooded,” Sherman said.
“I know how Bob Baffert must feel when he couldn’t get to work his horse.”
We can’t overlook the international form of California Chrome which includes a win in the Group 1 Dubai World Cup. That form stands up on the world stage and although Arrogate is the fresh horse on the scene, California Chrome deserves its fairytale ending.
Take the $2.50 on offer from bookmakers as we’re expecting that price to drop over the weekend.
Pegasus World Cup finishing order prediction
The Pegasus World Cup should be a two-horse race and we would be surprised to see any of the other 10 entrants to go close.
Keen Ice and Noble Bird look solid place chances, but punters should stick with backing either California Chrome or Arrogate.
We’re sticking with six-year-old champion California Chrome which is having its final career race and punters are getting a good price.
1st – California Chrome
2nd – Arrogate
3rd – Keen Ice
4th – Noble Bird
5th – Neolithic
6th – Shaman Ghost
7th – Breaking Lucky
8th – War Story
9th – Eragon
10th – Semper Fortis
11th – War Envoy
12th – Prayer For Relief