Gunnevera targets Pegasus World Cup

MIAMI – After having already danced twice this year on racing’s biggest stages, in the Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup Classic, Travers runner-up Gunnevera will likely do so again when he launches his 4-year-old campaign in the $16 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 27.

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Gunnevera finished in a dead heat for fifth with defending champion Arrogate in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, and trainer Antonio Sano said he returned from Del Mar in perfect condition and was scheduled to return to the track at Gulfstream Park West this week with the Pegasus World Cup his next major goal.

“We’ll give it a try,” said Sano. “He was only beaten six lengths in the Classic and he really likes it at Gulfstream Park.”

Gunnevera won the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth by nearly six lengths and finished third in the Grade 1 Florida Derby here earlier this season prior to his seventh-place finish in the Kentucky Derby.

Gunnevera is owned by Salomon del Valle under his Margoth banner. Sano said it has yet to be determined whether he will put up the $1 million necessary to secure a spot in the Pegasus starting lineup or negotiate a deal with one of the slot holders.