Program Trading has back class to take Pegasus World Cup Turf

One of the best turf horses in America two years ago, Program Trading will look to regain position in that hierarchy Saturday in the $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1) at Gulfstream Park over nine furlongs.

Program Trading finished first or second in six of his first seven starts, including back-to-back wins in the 2023 Hollywood Derby (G1) and 2024 Turf Classic (G1) at Churchill Downs. The latter was his last visit to the winner's circle, however, as he went to the sidelines for more than 14 months after finishing fifth in the Manhattan (G1).

Focusing on shorter races when he returned last summer, Program Trading was narrowly beaten in both the Bernard Baruch S. and Coolmore Turf Mile (G1). However, he made little impact in the Breeders' Cup Mile (G1) while attempting to improve position during the stretch run.

Chasing the Crown, Fort Washington, and Major Dude all finished within three lengths of the winning Spirit of St Louis in last year's World Cup Turf, though all are fairly well-exposed entrants. Less so is Call Sign Seven, 68-1 upset winner of the Seabiscuit H. (G2) at Del Mar in November over Astronomer and likely pacesetter Cabo Spirit, who recently landed the San Gabriel (G3).

Cugino has finished first or second in six of his last seven starts, and was runner-up last out to Wolfie's Dynaghost in his world-record victory in the Fort Lauderdale (G2). Test Score, meanwhile, faces older rivals for the first time after a solid three-year-old campaign highlighted by a score in the Belmont Derby (G1).

The $500,000 Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf (G2) over 1 1/16 miles has a similarly contentious field with no standout, though Chad Brown has a strong prospect here, too, with Whiskey Decision, who is 2-for-3 since joining the barn. The Into Mischief mare was a good winner of the Eatontown (G3) and Athenia S. last season and is poised to appreciate the step up in class. Proctor Street, who garnered a belated first stakes win in the Cardinal S. at Churchill Downs in November, is another who might handle the class hike.

Trainer Saffie Joseph has a pair of solid contenders. The speedy In Our Time finished second as a 29-1 chance in the Matriarch (G1) when last seen, while Movin' On Up was beaten a head by Crevalle d'Oro in the Suwannee River S. in late December. The lightly raced And One More Time was a Grade 1 winner at two and most recently second to Destino d'Oro in the Tropical Park Oaks, while Breath Away and former Canadian Horse of the Year Caitlinhergrtness are other logical threats.