Summary and Analysis of Each Horse

#1: Can Group (10-1)

• Jockey: John R. Velazquez

• Strengths: Solid turf performer with two wins in 2023. Good closing kick on his day.

• Weaknesses: Recent form is poor with no wins in five starts in 2024.

• Trends: Dropping in class.

#2: Atone (4-1)

• Jockey: Luis Saez

• Strengths: Consistent performer in graded stakes, including a solid fifth in the Pegasus World Cup Turf.

• Weaknesses: Winless in 2024 and occasionally fades late.

• Trends: Moves back to a distance he prefers.

#3: Beyond Stoked (15-1)

• Jockey: Florent Geroux

• Strengths: Competitive at the allowance level with a win in July 2024.

• Weaknesses: Struggles to handle higher-class horses.

• Trends: Aiming for a bounce-back after a tough recent race.

#4: Seminole Chief (20-1)

• Jockey: Edwin Gonzalez

• Strengths: Has tactical speed and a recent win at this distance in allowance company.

• Weaknesses: Struggles when stepping up in class.

• Trends: Consistent workout pattern.

#6: Full Nelson (9-2)

• Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.

• Strengths: Well-suited for turf with three wins on the surface. Strong late closer.

• Weaknesses: Needs pace upfront to show best.

• Trends: Steady improvement in speed figures.

#8: Kalik (15-1)

• Jockey: Oisin Murphy

• Strengths: Proven at graded stakes level with tactical speed.

• Weaknesses: Fades late at longer distances.

• Trends: Consistent speed figures despite recent losses.

#9: Saratoga Flash (6-1)

• Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione

• Strengths: Reliable pacesetter with recent wins at Gulfstream.

• Weaknesses: Vulnerable to late closers.

• Trends: Drops slightly in class.

#10: Skyro (5-1)

• Jockey: Junior Alvarado

• Strengths: Steady competitor with tactical versatility.

• Weaknesses: Inconsistent finishing kick.

• Trends: Ran well in higher-class events recently.

#11: Raptor’s (6-1)

• Jockey: Dylan Davis

• Strengths: Four-time winner on turf with a strong late turn of foot.

• Weaknesses: Limited exposure at U.S. tracks.

• Trends: Improving form with solid works.

#12: Native Land (30-1)

• Jockey: Edgard Zayas

• Strengths: Two wins in 2024 with a strong late move.

• Weaknesses: Unproven on turf.

• Trends: Blinkers off may improve focus.

#14: Seaver (30-1)

• Jockey: Timothy Hills

• Strengths: Veteran horse with flashes of late speed.

• Weaknesses: Yet to show competitiveness in similar fields.

• Trends: Struggling for form with no recent wins.

#16: Activist Investing (7-2)

• Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.

• Strengths: Lightly raced but improving with two wins on turf. Strong late kick and tactical speed.

• Weaknesses: May face tougher competition than he’s used to.

• Trends: Solid works and improving speed figures suggest readiness to compete.

🏆 Top Contenders:

• #6: Full Nelson (9-2): Proven turf performer with strong late kick.

• #2: Atone (4-1): Consistent at a high level, with solid performances in graded stakes.

• #16: Activist Investing (7-2): Lightly raced but improving, with the potential to surprise.

🎯 Final Selections:

• Primary Choice: #6: Full Nelson (9-2) – Strong closer who will appreciate the pace setup.

• Secondary Choice: #16: Activist Investing (7-2) – Lightly raced with strong upside.

• Longshot Pick: #8: Kalik (15-1) – Could surprise with tactical speed and favorable setup.

  🚀 Final Thoughts 🐴🌟

  The Gulfstream Pegasus Cup is shaping up to be a thrilling race with plenty of angles to consider. Whether you’re leaning on the dependable #6 Full Nelson to unleash his late kick, backing the classy #2 Atone, or taking a shot on the up-and-coming #16 Activist Investing, this field has something for everyone. The mix of seasoned pros and rising talent makes it a fun challenge to handicap. Keep an eye on the pace and track conditions—they could shake things up! Good luck, and here’s hoping your picks turn into winners! 🎟️💰🎉