Despite it being only the fifth running, the Jan. 23 Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes (G1), with its complement of undercard stakes, has come a long way.
Remember back in the day—all the way back in 2017—when owners were asked to pony up $1 million each for a starting berth in the inaugural Pegasus that carried a $12 million purse? While the format was a departure, The Stronach Group was able to pull the event off thanks to the star power of California Chrome and Arrogate that gave the race some much-needed traction to make it more than an one-off event.
The purse ballooned to $16 million for 2018, but has settled into stride with a $3 million purse. It’s now entrenched on the racing calendar, straddling the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) and the deep winter races that take place in the Middle East—the Saudi Cup and the Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline (G1).