Pegasus WC 2025 Predictions: “Locked” Leads the Field

Pegasus World Cup 2025 Predictions

“Locked” Leads the Field

 

The ninth running of the Pegasus World Cup Invitational, set for Saturday, brings together a field of 12 horses vying for a share of the $3 million purse. The Grade 1 race, run over 1 1/8 miles, is a highlight of the racing calendar and a precursor to key Kentucky Derby prep races.

With post time at 5:40 p.m. EST, this event promises to draw significant attention from those tracking Kentucky Derby odds and exploring Kentucky Derby betting opportunities.

The 2025 Pegasus boasts an impressive lineup, featuring seven Grade 1 winners, four Grade 2 victors, and a field with combined career earnings of $22.6 million. Among the competitors are two Pegasus alumni, past winners Todd Pletcher and Brad Cox. 

Pletcher, victorious in 2022 with Life is Good, saddles Locked and Crupi, while Cox, who won in 2021 with Knicks Go, enters the Saudi Crown. Saffie Joseph Jr., another prominent trainer, also fields two contenders: White Abarrio and Skippylongstocking.

 

Field Overview and Morning-Line Odds

 

Locked (5-2)

Trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by John Velazquez, Locked is the morning-line favorite. With four wins in six starts, including the Breeders’ Futurity (G1) and Cigar Mile (G2), he has showcased versatility, rallying from mid-pack against intense competition. Despite limited starts, Locked is the one to beat.

 

White Abarrio (3-1)

With $5.2 million in career earnings, White Abarrio is a standout. The son of Race Day won the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Classic and Met Mile (G1) by stalking the pace. If Saffie Joseph Jr. has him at peak form, he is a serious contender.

 

Saudi Crown (9-2)

Brad Cox-trained Saudi Crown, a six-time winner, earned a Grade 1 victory in the Pennsylvania Derby. TimeformUS projects him as the likely pacesetter in a race with neutral pace dynamics, though his struggles in elite fields temper expectations.

 

Stronghold (10-1)

Stronghold enters off three consecutive second-place finishes, including the Malibu (G1). His mid-pack running style and consistent performances in graded stakes make him a strong win contender.

 

Crupi (15-1)

Another Todd Pletcher entry, Crupi, is a late-running plodder. With career earnings of $1.1 million, he excelled in the Suburban (G2) and finished third in last year’s Pegasus. While a win is unlikely, he’s a strong candidate for exotic bets.

 

Skippylongstocking (10-1)

A versatile runner under Saffie Joseph Jr., Skippylongstocking’s three graded stakes wins include the Charles Town Classic (G2). However, he has struggled in Grade 1 fields and appears to face an uphill battle.

 

Power Squeeze (30-1)

The lone filly in the field, Power Squeeze, is a deep closer with Grade 1 wins in the Alabama and Delaware Oaks. Despite her past successes, she is up against stricter competition here.

 

Mixto (10-1)

A Grade 1 winner in the Pacific Classic, Mixto has proven pace-tracking ability but faces a class challenge in the Pegasus.

 

Newgrange (20-1)

With a Grade 2 win in the San Pasqual, Newgrange transitions to a new trainer after a long layoff. His class limitations make him an unlikely winner.

 

Mystik Dan (8-1)

The 2024 Kentucky Derby winner, Mystik Dan, has struggled since his signature victory. He would need significant improvement from his Malibu (G1) effort to contend here.

 

Steal Sunshine (30-1)

Steal Sunshine lacks the speed and class to compete at this level. His last graded stakes win came in March 2024.

 

Vitality (50-1)

Vitality, a Canadian Triple Crown standout, remains unproven at the Grade 1 level and is unlikely to threaten in this field.

 

Pace and Race Dynamics

 

Saudi Crown may lead, but his performance against top-tier competition raises concerns. Meanwhile, mid-pack runners like Locked, White Abarrio, and Stronghold are well-positioned to capitalize on their closing strength.

 

Final Analysis

 

The 2025 Pegasus World Cup showcases a diverse field with compelling storylines. Locked is the top choice, combining recent form with untapped potential. White Abarrio and Stronghold present strong alternatives, while Saudi Crown’s front-running style adds intrigue. 

For long-shot seekers, Crupi offers value in exotic bets. With such an evenly matched lineup, the Pegasus promises a tight conclusion to an action-packed day of racing.

 

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