Pegasus World Cup 2021: Odds & Preview

Four-time Grade 1 winner Tiz the Law is the most accomplished probable on a stellar list of Pegasus World Cup (G1) contenders. 

With the combination of his ability and his commitment to run, it should come as no surprise that he is the early favorite for the Jan. 23 race in futures books. However, his hold on the role of favorite is tenuous as a pair of ultra-talented runners who are possible for the race are right on his heels.

Tiz the Law is listed at 3-1 on Bovada, while Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile winner Knicks Go is 7-2. Bob Baffert's Charlatan, who has dusted his competition in all three starts, is listed at 5-1.

Knicks Go is at his best at one mile but has had prior success going longer and is in the best form of his career under Brad Cox. 

Charlatan will make his-long awaited return in the Malibu (G1) at Santa Anita Park on Dec. 26, which will be his first start since crossing the wire first in the Arkansas Derby in May. If he runs well in the Malibu, the Pegasus would be a logical next step.

If Baffert opts to keep Charlatan in California, it might be because he sends defending Pegasus champion Mucho Gusto, who is listed at 6-1. Mucho Gusto has not raced since running fourth in the Saudi Cup in February. He also is slated to make his return on opening day at Santa Anita Park, Dec. 26, in the San Antonio (G2).

Code of Honor joins Charlatan at 5-1. The multiple Grade 1 winner is coming off a decent second-place finish in the Clark (G1) and has been confirmed for the Pegasus as his next start.

The biggest mover in recent weeks has been 2019 Jim Dandy winner Tax. While looking off form early this year, he returned to his best with a visually dominant performance in the local prep, the Harlan's Holiday (G3). Available at double-digit odds previously, he is down to 6-1.

Maxfield is one of the most intriguing horses listed. The undefeated 3-year-old colt is another runner getting set to return off of a layoff. Winner most recently of the Matt Winn (G3) in May, he is entered for Saturday's Tenacious Stakes at Fair Grounds.

Former claimer Jesus' Team would make quite the story if he won this $3 million Pegasus World Cup Turf. He would be taking a step up in class off his local win in the recent Claiming Crown Jewel. However, he did run second to Knicks Go at 66-1 in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile.

Jesus' Team is listed at 12-1, as is Mystic Guide. Mystic Guide won the Jim Dandy (G2) at Saratoga this summer before running second in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) at Belmont Park. He has been freshened and is confirmed to be targeting this spot.

True Timber (16-1) and King Guillermo (20-1) are likely to show up for the Pegasus after squaring off in the Cigar Mile. True Timber pulled off the upset that day as King Guillermo could only manage a fourth-place finish off a layoff.

Rounding out the listed runners are Math Wizard (25-1) and Eye of a Jedi (33-1). Both finished well behind Tax in the Harlan's Holiday.

Below is a list of those possible for the Pegasus World Cup, with their current odds available on Bovada.

2021 Pegasus World Cup (G1)