Pegasus World Cup 2022: Happy American will not run
Trainer Neil Pessin said Friday that Happy American, who was invited as an also-eligible, will not be running in the Grade 1, $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational at Gulfstream Park.
“We are not going,” Pessin said in a text message to Horse Racing Nation.
Pessin had been undecided throughout the week, discussing the matter with Happy American’s owner, Bob Lothenbach of Lothenbach Stables. Pessin said he could possibly run next in the Mineshaft (G3) on Feb. 19 at Fair Grounds.
Happy American finished second in his most recent start, the Tenacious Stakes at Fair Grounds. In that race he ran behind Chess Chief, who will be running in the Pegasus for trainer Dallas Stewart.
The 4-year-old by Runhappy won three races in 2021, breaking his maiden at Churchill Downs in April before earning two allowance victories, both under the twin spires. His career earns total $258,276.
The Pegasus, set to go off on Jan. 29 will feature the matchup of Knicks Go and Life Is Good. Others confirmed for the race include Chess Chief, Stilleto Boy, Sir Winston, Commandeer (also eligible) and Endorsed (also eligible)
2022 Pegasus World Cup (G1)
| Rank | Silks | Horse / Sire | Rating | Trainer / Jockey | Last Start | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knicks Go Paynter | B. Cox |
| Definite | ||||
| Life Is Good Into Mischief | T. Pletcher |
| Definite | ||||
| Sir Winston Awesome Again | M. Casse |
| Definite | ||||
| Title Ready More Than Ready | D. Stewart |
| Definite | ||||
| Endorsed Medaglia d'Oro | M. Maker |
| Probable | ||||
| Chess Chief Into Mischief | D. Stewart |
| Definite | ||||
| Stilleto Boy Shackleford | E. Moger, Jr. |
| Probable | ||||
| Law Professor Constitution | M. McCarthy |
| Possible | ||||
| Commandeer Street Boss | J. Toner |
| Probable | ||||
| Empty Tomb Speightstown | R. Falcone, Jr. |
| Probable |