Aqueduct | Race 3 | Post Time 2:08 p.m. (ET)
MARIA TALLCHIEF
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: Jan. 23, 5th
Finish: 4th by 3/4
Beyer: 58
Maiden was floated wide first turn of turf route while keen, lost ground throughout, lacked a rally. Uncertain if she wants route. Her two sprints were okay. Follow at shorter trip.
The Pegasus World Cup caps a truly excellent card at Gulfstream. Should be a fun race to watch – and watching is all I plan to do. Other Gulfstream stakes hold greater appeal, while an upset could be brewing in the Oaklawn feature.
Pegasus World Cup Turf
Granted, Nations Pride didn’t run to form in the 2023 Bahrain International Trophy, but if we’re going to assume he’ll assert inherent superiority (at a price lower than the listed 2-1), couldn’t we have seen even a tiny spark at Doha in the same race this past November?
RIDEGOLD
Trainer: Craig Lewis
Last race: Jan. 16, 7th
Finish: 2nd by 1/2
Beyer: 63
Debut filly by Clubhouse Ride tucked in third on rail, was green into lane, finished evenly. Maidens from this stable typically improve with racing. This was a promising debut.