Headlined by the world's richest horse race, the $16-million GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational S., the 2017-2018 championship meeting at Gulfstream Park will offer total purse money of $28.6 million. The inaugural running of the Pegasus this past January was won in spectacular fashion by Arrogate (Unbridled's Song), who defeated two-time Horse of the Year California Chrome (Lucky Pulpit) and several other top handicap horses.
Outside of the Pegasus, the $1-million GI Florida Derby serves as the marquee event of the meeting and is one of seven graded stakes set for Saturday, Mar. 31. In the first 66 runnings of the Florida Derby, 44 of its entrants have gone on to win a total of 59 Triple Crown races. Three of the five most recent Florida Derby winners (Orb {Malibu Moon, 2013}; Nyquist {Uncle Mo, 2016}; and Always Dreaming {Bodemeister}) have used the race as springboard to victory in the GI Kentucky Derby. On the same program, sophomore fillies will prep for the GI Kentucky Oaks in the $250,000 GII Gulfstream Oaks. Gulfstream is also home to important Kentucky Derby prep races such as the $350,000 GII Holy Bull S. and the $400,000 GII Fountain of Youth S., while those 3-year-olds who prefer shorter distances will compete in races such as the $200,000 GII Swale S.
Of the Championship Meeting's 18 weekends, 13 will be so-called 'Super Saturdays,” featuring between three and 12 added-money events. Gulfstream will also become the first track outside of Latin America and the Caribbean to host the Clasico del Caribe, five of the region's most important races that will be contested by horses from eight Latin American and Caribbean countries. Additionally, Gulfstream will play host to racing's championship awards, the Jan. 25 Eclipse Awards, the Claiming Crown and the Sunshine Millions series.
“The Championship Meet at Gulfstream has evolved into one of the world's most spectacular sporting events,” said P.J. Campo, Vice President of Racing for The Stronach Group and General Manager of Gulfstream. “The Stronach Group continues to reinvent the sport of Thoroughbred racing for all generations with great races, exceptional facilities, the finest in dining options and world-class events. Beginning in December, Gulfstream will be the place to be. We are proud to once again host the Pegasus World Cup Invitational, Florida Derby, Clasico del Caribe, and excited to have the Eclipse Awards back. We look forward to bringing fans the best in racing and world-class entertainment, and look forward to the great support of horsemen throughout the world that have truly made our Championship Meet so special.”
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