RacingBetter News
	Tuesday 7th December 2021

Likely Contenders for the Pegasus World Cup 2022

The Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes has not long been part of the horse racing calendar, but it has hugely impacted the racing world. Since its first running in 2017, the race stood out thanks to its high prize fund, remarkable entry criteria, and immersion in equine talent.

This horse racing event is indeed one of the best in the racing world. Moreover, on January 29, 2022, the sixth edition of the Pegasus World Cup will be held. Industry leaders are now starting to offer competitive odds, which frequently change, plus the possible contenders for the race.

Below are the possible runners for the 2022 Pegasus World Cup.

Knicks Go

The Korean syndicate KRA Stud Farm-owned and a Maryland-bred Paynter colt, Knicks Go, could cap his horse racing career at the 2022 Pegasus World Cup on January 29. Trainer Brad Cox says if the colt trains well and comes out good, they will surely head to the Pegasus.

Cox also said that the race's purse is good, which is at $3 million. Plus, the surface of the track is something Knicks Go likes. Next year, the defending Pegasus World Cup champion may seize another Pegasus trophy with his high cruising speed and incredible stamina.

This year, Knicks Go has achieved multiple wins, including the Breeder's Cup Classic win last November 6. In most of the colt's races, Knicks Go conquered the field and spearheaded the stretch.

What's more, Knicks Go is number one NTRA's Thoroughbred Poll and on top of the Longines World Best Racehorse Rankings. Precocious and brilliant, the American Thoroughbred Racehorse was a debut maiden at two years old and went on to win the Breeder's Futurity in 2018.

Knicks Go is all but sure to take the lead, and if he finishes first, it will only mean that no other horse could catch him. According to his trainer, Knicks Go is an aggressive colt who likes to go expeditiously.

Knicks Go won the following horse racing events:

• 2018 Maiden Special Weight at Ellis Park
• 2018 Breeder's Futurity at Kneeland (G1)
• 2020 Allowance Optional Claiming at Oaklawn Park
• 2020 Allowance Optional Claiming at Kneeland
• 2021 Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park (G1)
• 2021 Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap (G3)
• 2021 Whitney Stakes at Saratoga (G1)
• 2021 Lukas Classic Stakes at Churchill Downs (G3)
• 2021 Breeder's Cup Classic at Del Mar Racetrack (G1)

Hot Rod Charlie

There's a lot of things to like about this 3-year-old colt, from his connections with the charity to his name. However, Hot Rod Charlie needed some experimentation and time early in his racing career to find his best surface and distance.

Doug O'Neil, the trainer, made Hot Rod Charlie sprint on grass and dirt and stretch out on the turf in the distance before bagging a win at Santa Anita Park on October 22, 2020, in a 1-mile dirt race. Since then, the colt had shown even better performances in the races he's entered, even when he didn't win.

Hot Rod Charlie has the versatility and tactical speed to take the lead in a race. That's why he is one of the possible contenders for next year's Pegasus World Cup. Hot Rod Charlie has won the following racing cups:

• 2020 One-Mile Maiden Special Weight at Santa Anita Park
• 2021 Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds (G3)
• 2021 Pennsylvania Derby at Parrx Racing (G1)

Life Is Good

Life is Good may enter the 2022 Pegasus World Cup and face the defending champion, Knicks Go. The Breeder's Cup Dirt Mile-winner put in an amazing performance in the race, which could earn him the 3-year-old Eclipse Award.

And if the colt stays healthy, he's on the brink of becoming one of the most brilliant stars in this sport. Life is Good is one of those swift horses that can keep going and has an unmeasurable cruising speed.

The following horse racing events were won by Life is Good:

• 2020 Maiden Special Weight at Del Mar Racetrack
• 2021 Sham Stakes at Santa Anita Park (G3)
• 2021 San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita Park (G2)
• 2021 Kelso Handicap at Belmont Park (G2)
• 2021 Breeder's Cup Dirt Mile at Del Mar Racetrack (G1)

Essential Quality

Due to the horse's clean horse racing records, Essential Quality has become one of the favorite picks by the industry to enter the 2022 Pegasus World Cup. This American Thoroughbred racehorse has won the following racing cups:

• 2020 Maiden Special Weight at Churchill Downs
• 2020 Breeder's Futurity Stakes at Keeneland (G1)
• 2020 Breeder's Cup Juvenile at Keeneland (G1)
• 2021 Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park (G3)
• 2021 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland (G2)
• 2021 Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park (G1)
• 2021 Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga (G2)
• 2021 Travers Stakes at Saratoga (G1)

Final Thoughts

These horses' solid performances and track records make them the likely contenders for the 2022 Pegasus World Cup. We can surely expect an exciting and thrilling horse racing event next year. Let's wait for more PWC information as the race draws nearer.