Looks like 9 of 12 slots have been filled so far. Unless something goes awry, I think Gun Runner walks away with this.
Gun Runner
Collected
Stellar Wind
West Coast
Gunnevera
Toast of New York
War Story or Game Over
Fipke’s slot (not named)
Stronach’s slot (not named)
https://www.paulickreport.com/news/pegasus-world-cup/nine-twelve-slots-sold-2018-pegasus-world-cup/
https://www.horseracingnation.com/race/2018_Pegasus_World_Cup
I agree. Gun Runner would have to have a very bad day not to win. Which is why they’re having a hard time filling the slots. Nearly all the owners who participated in last year’s race lost hundreds of thousands of dollars. It’s harder to convince people to do that a second time.
I’d have to agree on Gun Runner although I’ve never been on the GR bandwagon 
I’d love to see Stellar Wind or West Coast but I don’t think either really has a chance unless Gun Runner pulls an “Arrogate” and the wrong Gun Runner shows up.
Will be interesting to see what transpires as we get closer to the race and still available stalls in the gate.
What are the odds on there being a 2019 running of the Pegasus with the same conditions? They better hope there are some super stars in the rising 3 year old crop.
I think what they don’t want is a superstar. I think they need a candidate field with no standouts so that most potential owners feel they have a real shot at the purse… With only 1 superstar, hard to sell everyone else they want to show up. At least IMO.
Having said that, in general, I’d like to see a nice crop of 3 year olds (and older) next year with a few good horses rather than the ‘start du jour’ that it seemed like we had this year
Pulling the girl card, I have my fingers crossed for a good run from Stellar Wind.
However I’ve always been a fan of GR, so will be rooting for him to win.
I agree ,with multiple super stars there would be more interest, not to mention a much more exciting race. I am hoping either West Coast or Stellar Wind have a big run in them. Nothing against Gun Runner, like someone else said, I’ve not gotten on his band wagon. My dream win pick is WC, SW, then GR, with War Story closing fast.
Giant Expectations will be in one of Stronach’s slots.
Do I think he has a chance? Not really but another name in the gate.
Looks like Sharp Azteca will be running also.
Hhmmmm, I quite like him. Could pull off an upset.
Well, “some super stars” = multiple, last time I checked.
I understand your point that one super star is problematic… but I don’t completely agree. Any stars are better than no stars if they want the race to work how it’s supposed to work; which is to become a premier event that generates revenue for slot holders, regardless of the outcome of the race.
But it’s pretty dang hard to drum up public interest in a race where “Who?” is pitted against “Also Ran.”
Gun Runner ain’t a star to the average Joe. No one outside of racing remembers or cares who Gun Runner is, despite him being at the top of the game his entire career. They need some Chromes, American Pharoahs, Zenyattas if they are going to keep this idea alive. The best thing that could happen to them would be a KY Derby winner + KY Derby favorites + a star filly + a hot international entrant… that’s a big ask.
I have been a huge Gun Runner fan since his Derby days and if I was in the breeding business; I’d be sending a mare to him. By far the most consistent horse out there over the past few years.
On Pegasus day, I will be rooting for Gun Runner but I will also be rooting for the gorgeous Seeking the Soul. Sired by my favorite (and aging) Thoroughbred stallion, Perfect Soul. Charles Fipke owns and races Seeking the Soul and he also owns and bred his sire, Perfect Soul, Fipke has had great success with his own stallion by sending his own mares to him. It is so wonderful to see an owner/breeder out there getting it done and Charles Fipke is one of those through and through.
For a taste of what Charles Fipke has produced with his own stallion:
Proud Soul: Russia $1,627,400. Winner of 9 graded stakes in Russia
Perfect Shirl: USA $1,390,729. Owned and bred by Fipke. Breeders cup winner, G1, G2 winner and G3 placed.
Golden Soul: USA $657,982. Owned and bred by Fipke. Graded stakes placed.
Perfect Shower: USA $446,000. Owned/Bred by Fipke. Stakes winner. Last known to be standing in Arkansas
Perfect Title: USA $277,468. Bred by Fipke. Grandson of Personal Ensign. Stakes Placed
Check Your Soul: USA$247,000. Owned/.Bred by Fipke. Stakes winner
Perfect Timber: USA $223, 364. Owned/bred by Fipke. Graded stakes placed. Standing in Ontario
Billys Star: USA $223,209. Bred by Fipke. Stakes winner, graded stakes placed.
Perfect Tay: USA 217,580. Bred by Fipke. Stakes placed
…the list goes on
So the above list is why I am rooting for a the man of a dying breed in the Thoroughbred business. Fipke and Perfect Soul are doing well in the business
Giant Expectations’ ownership group worked a deal with Stronach to get their horse in his slot, though the terms aren’t disclosed. That Stronach was willing to bargain away his post is interesting.
Stronach is trying to sell his slots. When the early entries filled only nine of twelve places, he picked up the remaining three. Not because he wanted them, but because no one else did.
Stellar Wind is working very well…
I think she would have to run an insane race to beat Gun Runner but time will tell. She has always been a class filly. Who will be in the irons on her?
The connections of Fear the Cowboy secured a spot.
Latest stats on entries.
https://www.americasbestracing.net/the-sport/2018-2018-pegasus-world-cup-cheat-sheet
Fear the Cowboy I’m not holding my breath over.
Maybe if Sharp Azteca and Gun Runner get into some kind of speed dual, might open the door for some of the others like Stellar Wind or Collected or West Coast or ??
Toast of New York is an interesting entry. Frankie Dettori came across the pond for some warmer weather and to ride Toast…
Should be interesting for sure…
What are the thoughts on the race now that post positions have been picked. Gun Runner gets gate #10
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