Horse Racing Odds: Pegasus Turf Invitational Big Winners

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Pegasus Turf Invitational: Top Contenders, Surprising Results, and Big Wins

The 2025 Pegasus Turf Invitational at Gulfstream Park featured high stakes, unexpected outcomes, and thrilling moments, rewarding sharp bettors while surprising fans. While the race had been framed as an opportunity to exploit vulnerabilities in favorites, the final results highlighted the unpredictable nature of thoroughbred racing.

Nations Pride Falters as Expected

Heading into the $1 million Pegasus Turf Invitational, Nations Pride was the betting favorite. However, doubts surrounding his recent form and distance suitability were validated as he failed to deliver a standout performance. 

The lingering effects of his subpar run in the Bahrain International Trophy Stakes were evident, reinforcing his vulnerability in a competitive field.

Spirit of St. Louis Emerges Victorious

Defying the horse racing odds, Spirit of St. Louis claimed victory by a neck in a thrilling finish. Trained by Chad Brown, the 5-year-old gelding showcased his stamina and determination, offering bettors a handsome payout of $17.80 to win. His tactical performance, staying close to the leaders before surging ahead in the final strides, exemplified the advantage of patience and positioning.

Mi Hermano Ramon Falls Short

Much attention was given to Mi Hermano Ramon, who entered the race as the second favorite at 5-2 odds. Despite a strong effort, he settled for fourth place, unable to capitalize on his ideal post position and early pace engagement. His near-miss underscores the unpredictable nature of Gulfstream’s turf course, where positioning often dictates outcomes.

Value Bets Prove Fruitful

Win for the Money and Fort Washington entered the race as strong value plays, but neither disrupted the top finishers. Win for the Money displayed early promise but ultimately settled for a mid-pack finish. Meanwhile, Fort Washington, a 15-1 outsider, struggled to mount a serious challenge.

Other Contenders

The Pegasus Turf Invitational featured a competitive lineup, but several notable names fell short. Integration and Battle of Normandy, considered potential threats, struggled to find rhythm in the tightly contested race. Meanwhile, despite his Fort Lauderdale Stakes win, Major Dude failed to make an impression, highlighting the difficulty of maintaining consistent form against elite competition.

Pegasus World Cup Highlights

In the day’s marquee event, the $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational, White Abarrio delivered a commanding performance, winning by an impressive 6¼ lengths. 

Under jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., the 6-year-old horse demonstrated why Gulfstream Park is his preferred stage. White Abarrio secured his ninth career win with this victory, including the prestigious 2023 Breeders’ Cup Classic.

Trainer’s Words

Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to reclaim White Abarrio after the horse’s brief stint with Rick Dutrow. “Everything aligned today,” Joseph said, crediting a clean break and an ideal trip for the dominant win.

Other notable results included Locked finishing second and Skippylongstocking taking third. Kentucky Derby Betting winner Mystik Dan and Santa Anita Derby victor Stronghold were among the disappointments in the 12-horse field.

Filly and Mare Turf: Be Your Best Shines

Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. celebrated a victory in the $500,000 Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf Invitational as Be Your Best edged out the competition by a nose. Her late surge in the final sixteenth of a mile showcased her class and determination, rewarding backers with $16.80 to win.

Takeaways for Bettors

The 2025 Pegasus Turf Invitational reinforced the value of looking beyond apparent favorites. While Nations Pride and Mi Hermano Ramon garnered much attention, horses like Spirit of St. Louis demonstrated the benefits of considering mid-range odds for potential upsets. 

Bettors who embraced vertical wagers, hedging their bets with lesser-known contenders, likely walked away with significant returns.

As the road to the Kentucky Derby continues to dominate the racing calendar, the Pegasus Turf Invitational serves as a reminder that there’s value to be found in marquee events beyond the headline-grabbing Kentucky Derby prep races.