Although Saturday’s inaugural $490,500 Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G3) served up a couple of tactical plot twists, 4-5 favorite Regal Glory ensured a logical conclusion at Gulfstream Park.

The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival opened Thursday with a trio of black-type events. While Con Lima rolled at 8.30-1 in the Wonder Again S. (G3), Change of Control went off at a much shorter 1.45-1 in the Intercontinental S. (G3), and Happy Soul aired as a prohibitive odds-on favorite in the Astoria S.

Wonder Again S., Intercontinental S. and Astoria S. highlight Thursday racing at Belmont Park for Belmont Stakes week!

A European import drew off with utter dominance in Friday’s $300,000 Edgewood S. (G2) at Churchill Downs, but it wasn’t hitherto unbeaten 3-10 favorite Aunt Pearl. As the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1) heroine faded in the stretch, British-bred Gift List rolled as the 4.40-1 second choice.