Eragon goes five furlongs in final work for Pegasus World Cup

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Eragon, the Argentinian-bred multiple Group 1 winner who will represent James McIngvale in the Pegasus World Cup next Saturday, turned in his final major prep for the race by going five furlongs in 1:02.34 with Edgar Prado aboard Sunday at Gulfstream Park.

Eragon had his first and only other local work eight days ago after shipping to the U.S. and being released from quarantine earlier this month. Eragon broke off solo at the five-furlong pole but quickly picked up company when joined inadvertently by trainer Ralph Nicks’s lightly raced 3-year-old filly Lost Innocence, who commenced her work just behind him at the half-mile marker.

Eragon was passed by his unexpected workmate on the turn after an opening quarter-mile in 24.94 seconds. He remained inside and slightly behind Lost Innocence after completing three-eighths in 37.59, and then fought back to hit the wire in front but while having to be put under considerable urging by Prado from midstretch to the finish line to do so. Eragon had little left for the gallop-out, pulling up six furlongs in 1:17.91.

“He finishes strong in his races, so Edgar felt he should really start at the three-eighths pole with his move,” said trainer Laura Wohlers. “He looked like he started off a little aggressively, then Edgar asked him to settle back and relax, and then he fought back against that other horse. He really needed that little competitiveness given to him, since he hasn’t raced in a while.”

Eragon has not started since defeating Group 1 competition in his native Argentina on Nov. 12.

“I thought today’s work was better than last week. It was a little stronger,” said Wohlers. “Edgar said he really felt much better and has gotten fitter and adjusted to the track.”