Stablemates Locked, Crupi School for Pegasus World Cup
At 0h03, on January 24, 2025 • By Gulfstream Park
Millionaire Crupi and fellow Grade 1-winning stablemate Locked each schooled Wednesday ahead of their scheduled start in Saturday’s $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) at Gulfstream Park.
Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher was present on a cool, misty afternoon to oversee Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable’s Crupi and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Walmac Farm’s Locked go through their paces in the saddling area and walking ring during Race 6.
“We wanted to cover all the bases. They had to be on the grounds today, so it was an opportunity to give them some paddock school experience,” Pletcher said. “They seem to be taking it all in stride and well composed. I’m happy with the way they shipped over.”
Both Crupi, a rallying third in last year’s Pegasus World Cup, and Locked have been training for the race at Pletcher’s South Florida base of Palm Beach Downs. Crupi will break from Post 5 in a field of 12 while Locked, the narrow 5-2 program favorite over White Abarrio (3-1), drew Post 11.
“We’re very happy with both of them,” Pletcher said. “It wasn’t an ideal draw for Locked but hopefully he can work out a trip from there.”
At the same time, Pletcher’s former assistant, Southern California-based trainer Michael McCarthy, watched Formidable Man – last out winner of the Hollywood Derby (G1) – school ahead of the $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational (G1) presented by Qatar Racing.
Two-time Chilean Group 1 winner Dona Clota also schooled in the walking ring during Race 2 for the $500,000 TAA Pegasus Filly & Mare Turf Invitational (G2) presented by SirDavis American Whiskey.
