Preparation the key for Pegasus hopeful Eragon – trainer
JAMES McIngvale looks to have filled his gate for the $12 million Pegasus World Cup after acquiring triple Group One winner Eragon in a private purchase.
Trainer Laura Wohlers had plenty of praise for the Argentine-bred galloper, noting a “calm” and “well-minded” demeanour.
“Mac (McIngvale) thought buying an American horse just wasn’t an option because he won’t run on Lasix,” she added.
“Hopefully this horse is a good enough runner that he can go in the Pegasus.”
The five-year-old arrived in the United States on Monday and will spend the rest of the week in quarantine before bedding down at Gulfstream Park.
Wohlers said these few weeks before the January 28 race were the real challenge for Eragon, who faces a tricky acclimatisation period.
“The biggest problem is he’s on his ‘summertime hours’ there,” Wohlers said.
“We are hoping the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) will let us set up some artificial lighting.
“To me, that is the most important thing that his body clock doesn’t go from 15-hour daylight days to eight-hour daylight days. That will help.”
Eragon brings with him 10 wins from 20 races – including two Group One victories on dirt – and plenty of pedigree.
He is the five-year-old son of Offlee Wild, who also sired Bayern – winner of the 2014 Breeders’ Cup Classic.
That win came against a field that included champion stallion California Chrome, who is expected to start as favourite at the Pegasus in his final competitive race.
Despite the sleep cycle and preparation issues, Wohler refused to rule out the possibility of Eragon emulating his half brother’s feat.
“We might run last but we might beat Chrome,” she said.
“He’s something else, and it is a tall order, but you never know.”