'Very sharp' Jesus' Team fires bullet toward Pegasus

Grupo 7C Racing Stable’s Jesus’ Team tuned up for a planned start in the $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) with a ‘bullet’ five-furlong workout Saturday morning at Palm Meadows Training Center.

The 4-year-old son of Tapiture, who most recently captured the $150,000 Claiming Crown Jewel Dec. 2 at Gulfstream, was timed in 59.75 seconds for five furlongs at Gulfstream’s satellite training facility in Palm Beach County.

“He was very sharp. It was an amazing workout and an amazing gallop out too,” trainer Jose D’Angelo said. “I am very happy with the work today. I think we will have a big chance in the Pegasus World Cup.”

The Pegasus World Cup and the $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational (G1) will co-headline the Jan. 23 program at Gulfstream Park.

“He will have two more breezes, six furlongs next week and four furlongs the next week. Then, he will be ready for the Pegasus,” D’Angelo said.

Jesus’ Team, who broke his maiden for a $32,000 claiming price at Gulfstream last March, has been stakes-placed in his last five starts, including a third-place finish in the Oct. 3 Preakness Stakes (G1) and a second-place finish in the Nov. 7 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) at Keeneland.

Tampa Bay Derby (G2) winner King Guillermo breezed a half-mile in 47.66 seconds at Gulfstream Park Saturday morning. The son of Uncle Mo finished fourth in the Dec. 5 Cigar Mile (G1) at Aqueduct while coming off a seven-month layoff.