Pegasus World Cup 2026 Offers Automatic Berth In Breeders’ Cup Classic
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For the first time, for its 10th anniversary, the $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational joins the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series, offering the winner a guaranteed spot in the $7 million Classic. From unbeaten favorites to defending champions, the field is set to battle for a historic ‘Win and You’re In’ ticket at Gulfstream Park.
Gateway To The Classic
Since 2017, when Arrogate won the first running of the Pegasus World Cup, the race has always been a clash of titans, but in 2026, the stakes for the G1 have never been higher. The ‘Road to the Breeders’ Cup Classic’ doesn’t begin in the spring—it begins this Saturday at Gulfstream Park.
Championships Partners
The 2026 Pegasus World Cup Championship begins the official partnership with the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, but winners of the Pegasus World Cup Championship have a history of going on to become Breeders’ Cup Champions.
| Horse | Pegasus Win | Breeders’ Cup Win(s) | Historical Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arrogate | 2017 | 2016 Classic | Still holds the Pegasus track record (1:46.83). |
| Gun Runner | 2018 | 2017 Classic | Final career start before retiring to stud. |
| City of Light | 2019 | 2018 Dirt Mile | Won the Pegasus by a massive 5 ¾ lengths. |
| Knicks Go | 2021 | 2020 Dirt Mile, 2021 Classic | Voted 2021 Longines World’s Best Racehorse. |
| Life Is Good | 2022 | 2021 Dirt Mile | Handed Knicks Go his only defeat in 2021-22. |
| White Abarrio | 2025 | 2023 Classic | Returning this Saturday to defend his title. |
Saturday’s Field: $3M Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1)
Distance: 1 1/8 Miles | Post Time: 5:39 PM ET
| Post | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | ML Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Disco Time | Flavien Prat | Brad Cox | 8-5 |
| 2 | British Isles | Diego Herrera | David Fawkes | 20-1 |
| 3 | Full Serrano (ARG) | Joel Rosario | John Sadler | 12-1 |
| 4 | Banishing | Jose Ortiz | David Jacobson | 20-1 |
| 5 | Skippylongstocking | Tyler Gaffalione | Saffie Joseph, Jr. | 15-1 |
| 6 | Madaket Road | Mike Smith | Bob Baffert | 10-1 |
| 7 | Tappan Street | Luis Saez | Brad Cox | 6-1 |
| 8 | Poster | Junior Alvarado | Eoin Harty | 20-1 |
| 9 | Captain Cook | John Velazquez | Todd Pletcher | 15-1 |
| 10 | Mika | Manuel Franco | Michael Maker | 10-1 |
| 11 | White Abarrio | Irad Ortiz, Jr. | Saffie Joseph, Jr. | 4-1 |
| 12 | Brotha Keny | Javier Castellano | Jose D’Angelo | 30-1 |
How to Watch: 2026 Pegasus World Cup
The marquee broadcast window covers both the Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1) and the Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1).
- Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
- National TV Window: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM ET
- Network: NBC
- Streaming: Peacock, NBCSports.com, and the NBC Sports app.
- All-Day Coverage: FanDuel TV will provide live coverage of the entire Gulfstream Park undercard, including the early stakes races, starting from the first post (11:00 AM ET).
Broadcast Schedule & Post Times
| Race | Expected Post Time (ET) | Network |
| PWC Filly & Mare Turf (G2) | 3:45 PM | FanDuel TV / NBC (Highlights) |
| Inside Information Stakes (G2) | 4:18 PM | FanDuel TV |
| Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1) | 4:54 PM | NBC / Peacock / FanDuel TV |
| Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) | 5:39 PM | NBC / Peacock / FanDuel TV |
With the Pegasus officially joining the Breeders’ Cup ‘Win and You’re In’ Challenge Series, the winner of the $3 million Invitational will do more than just secure a massive payday and a spot in the history books; they will punch the very first ticket to the $7 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland this October. And, as fans, we’ll witness a new era of North American racing where the quest for Horse of the Year honors begins in January and the Pegasus World Cup.
Get the Edge. Bet the Edge.
Diving into the PPs for Saturday’s 2026 Pegasus World Cup, don’t just look for the winner—look for the horse with the tactical speed and stamina to hold a Breeders’ Cup caliber form for the next nine months. And the class to be led to the winner’s circle at Keeneland on Saturday, October 31.
With a full field of 12, handicapping the Pegasus is a tricky lesson with a potential for massive vertical payouts. And doing the homework is the key to cashing in.
Click here to access racing data for the entire Pegasus World Cup card.
