National Treasure, Newgrange invited to $3 million Pegasus
At 8h20, on January 9, 2024 • By GULFSTREAM
Three horses based at Santa Anita – National Treasure, Newgrange and Subsanador – were among a dozen horses receiving invites this week to the Grade I, $3 million Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park Jan. 27.
Trainer Bob Baffert has 2023 Preakness winner National Treasure slotted to run in the 1 1/8-mile Pegasus after bypassing multiple stakes options with the Quality Road colt on opening day at Santa Anita Dec. 26. D’Amato said Newgrange, winner of the GII San Antonio here opening day, is “50-50” to either run in the Pegasus or defend his title in the GII San Pasqual at 1 1/8 miles here the same day. Sadler Sunday morning said Subsanador, a multiple Group I winner in Argentina who was fourth in the San Antonio in his U.S. bow, will not run in the Pegasus.
National Treasure has not started since a nose loss to likely Horse of the Year Cody’s Wish in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile here Nov. 4. On Friday at Santa Anita, National Treasure had his second-straight bullet work when drilling six furlongs from the gate in 1:11.20.
Baffert will be seeking a third win in the Pegasus after previously prevailing with Arrogate in 2017 and Mucho Gusto in 2020.
Newgrange won the 1 1/16-mile San Antonio by 2 ½ lengths in what was his third start on the comeback trail. Last year, the now 5-year-old Violence horse won the San Pasqual prior to finishing off the board in the GI Santa Anita Handicap.
