Closers Pegasus World Cup Selections

The richest horse race in North America is set to run this Saturday at Gulfstream Park. A clash of Breeders Cup winners will commence to run a mile and an eighth with Classic winner Accelerate making his final career start after giving trainer John Sadler his first Breeders Cup win. He will be matched by Breeders Cup Dirt Mile winner City of Light, who was very game in victory for trainer Michael McCarthy. Here is how Brian "The Closer" Mariano will break down the $9 Million dollar Pegasus World Cup...

(#1) Bravazo 12-1
After a 3rd place finish in the Breeders Cup Dirt Mile, he just missed in the Clark next out. Not sure he can win here, but the post gives him a chance to save ground and be there for the minors.

(#2) Something Awesome 20-1
Big jump in class for this 8 year old, won the Charlestown Classic back in April but looks to be over matched in this field of grade 1 winners.

(#3) City of Light 5-2
The Breeders Cup Dirt Mile winner looks to be the early speed. If he can break well, its possible that he can be there the entire way around with the inside post. Distance is not an issue as he has proven with the win in the Grade II Oaklawn Handicap last April. Must Use!

(#4) Seeking The Soul 12-1
The works coming in look fantastic and with a couple rough trips, this 6 year old could make some noise. The post will set him up for a nice trip but the question will be, can he close on a speed favoring race track? Use in exotics

(#5) Accelerate 9-5 favorite
The clear favorite after an impressive win in the Breeders Cup Classic. Has won 5 straight Grade I races and the trip could be perfect with only 1 speed horse inside of him. Would make it 3 consecutive Classic winners to take the Pegasus and I have no doubt he will. Much the best!!

(#6) Tom's D'Etat 20-1
4 straight victories for this 6 year old but a massive jump in class here. Will hear his name early but don't expect to hear it inside the 1/2 mile pole.

(#7) True Timber 30-1
Just missed his first Grade I victory in the Cigar Mile but questions for the distance and the class are too much for me.

(#8) Gunnevera 8-1
Still kicking myself for not having the exacta in the Classic with this longshot that day. Will not make that mistake again as hometown trainer Sano brings this horse back for a big chance here. Longshot to win but a must use in Exactas.

(#9) Kukulkan 30-1
Undefeated in 14 tries is good no matter where the races are. This Mexican bred won here at Gulfstream Park on December 8th and has won 4 straight at a mile and an eighth. Live longshot to use here.

(#10) Audible 10-1
This 4 year old had his biggest victory over this track last year, winning both the Grade I Florida Derby and the Grade II Holy Bull. After a 6 month layoff, had an impressive win on Breeders Cup weekend and a sloppy track in his last could be an excuse. The post position could be the biggest issue for him as drawing outside most of the contenders could find it hard to find a spot going into the first turn. Use with caution.

(#11) Imparative 30-1
Way out of his league here. Not a chance.

(#12) Patternrecognition 10-1
The Cigar Mile was a gutty victory for this 6 year old who is lightly raced. Unfortunatly this need the lead type drew the far outside which is brutal for this distance at this track. Not without a chance but will be surprised unless he can clear early.

Selections ($100 bankroll)

$5 Exacta 5 with 8,9,10,12 ($20)
$10 Exacta box 5,8 ($20)
$10 Exacta Box 3,5 ($20)
.50 triple 1,3,8,10,12 with 5 with 1,3,8,10,12 ($10)
.50 triple 3,5 with 1,3,5,8,9,10,12 with 1,3,5,8,9,10,12 ($30)