Pegasus World Cup Tips 2023

The Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes is one of the newest horse racing events, inaugurated in 2017. Held at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida, on January 28, it is open to four-year-olds and up thoroughbreds and takes place on a 1 and 1/8 miles dirt track.  So, how can you make the most of that race?

Our guide lays out the factors that affect the outcome of all major markets, like contenders, info about the track and past statistics that can help you make an informed decision. Our Pegasus World Cup tips will give you the highest value and a head-on advantage against the bookies.

Latest Pegasus World Cup Betting Tips

Since the race has not been running for many years, it’s almost impossible to notice specific trends and stats that you can find in different tournaments. However, we assessed every performance indicator of the contenders and came up with specific Pegasus World Cup betting tips. Let's get down to it:

Cyberknife: To Win

This year, there is no undisputed favorite among analysts, as Cyberknife, Codys Wish and Taiba are all priced close to each other. Nevertheless, we expect Cyberknife to go the distance. After a remarkable run in the Breeder's Cup, where he finished 2nd, we believe that he has what it takes to emerge victorious. The trainer Brian Cox and the jockey Florent Geroux certainly have the know-how and the horse’s form leaves little room for doubt.

White Abarrio: Each Way

Despite the long list of top names set to participate in the race, you may want to find a horse with value each-way odds. He won the Florida Derby in 2022 and has enough experience competing in the Gulfstream Park racecourse. It finishes the race well and will most likely overcome many horses in the later stages. Currently, White Abarrio pays at 10.00 (9/1). 

Best Pegasus World Cup betting sites

We list the top sportsbooks in terms of odds, number of selections, and tailored offers specifically for Pegasus World Cup betting. Special bets like Faller Insurance & Place Only also diversify your options. Moreover, we also consider players’ evaluation which adds to our overall rating.

Where is the Pegasus World Cup run 

First things first, let’s get familiar with the track. It comes in an oval shape at 1 ⅛ mile (or 9 furlongs), 85.5% sand and 14.5% clay. The racers will go in one complete course circuit and run the last curve to the finish line twice (898 feet). Horses move counterclockwise, and the weather conditions are something you should consider before finalizing your Pegasus World Cup betting strategies. As we saw in 2019, rain made the course muddy and upset the favorites. 

How do race terms influence Pegasus World Cup betting 

Since 2020, the rules have become clearer and apply in all cases, mainly regarding medications. Every kind of substance is banned, so no allowances for that matter. Now, there is a three-pound allowance for fillies and mares, and the maximum weight of the horses is 124 pounds (56 kg).

Which Jockeys should I pay attention to

Florent Geroux, who rides Cyberknife, is the man to watch as most pundits expect him to repeat his triumph. Irad Ortiz, winner in 2020, will provide a noticeable challenge, and you can never count out Mike E. Smith. Betting-wise, we expect Rosario & Ortiz to go head to head, which is reflected in the Pegasus World Cup betting odds.

Trainers to follow in the Pegasus World Cup betting

Another crucial part of your Pegasus World Cup betting is the trainers. In the relatively short history of Pegasus, Bob Baffert has won it twice, the only trainer to achieve such a feat. This time around, two horses, Taiba and Defunded, are trained by him. Steve Asmussen, Michael W. McCarthy and Brad Cox have won it once, with Cox being the latest to get first place. Underneath, you can also find the top sites that offer the best Pegasus World Cup odds on the favorites. 

Which are the Pegasus World Cup entrants

The most important thing to know is, as the name implies, the Pegasus World Cup works in an invitational fashion. It means that no qualifiers or heats are dictating who will go through. Stronach Group hosts have invited nine contenders in the 2023 race with no entry fee. The purse for this year’s race will reach $3m, lower than the sky-high $16m in 2018, but still one of the most lucrative in horse racing.

Should I use ante-post betting for the Pegasus World Cup

The markets for the Pegasus will launch several weeks before the day of the race. As you might expect, the odds will fluctuate in the meantime, so why should you choose ante-post (or futures) bets? The closer we get to the race, the chances are that the bookie will adjust the odds in his favor. That stems from the total betting volume and info that comes until the race begins. Furthermore, experience shows that the best tactic for the bettor is to place his wagers early and grab the high odds the moment he sees them.

Is there value in the Pegasus World Cup betting 

There certainly is, as long as you follow a proper strategy. Since the race works by invites, you cannot consider any qualifiers or trial performance. Once the list of contenders is announced, your best guess is to watch each one closely. Traditionally, top finishers have also reached high places at the Breeders' Cup Classic, so pay attention to that.

We have listed our best picks for winner and each-way betting to save you from all the hassle. Our Pegasus World Cup tips take into account what can influence the outcome of the race, plus they consider all the relevant betting trends. In 2023, it seems that the no.1 position will be a matter of two, but the real value can hide in the details we lay out.

Bookies with the best Pegasus World Cup odds