How to Watch Pegasus World Cup: Schedule, Contenders and Odds

HORSE RACING

January 20, 2026

The 2026 Pegasus World Cup represents the pinnacle of winter horse racing, and fans have multiple ways to catch every second of the action. NBC Sports serves as the primary broadcast partner, delivering a high-definition window into the festivities at Gulfstream Park. For those who prefer digital flexibility, Peacock will stream the entire Saturday card, allowing viewers to watch from their mobile devices or smart TVs. The Pegasus World Cup odds will be updated in real-time on the screen, providing bettors with the most current information before they place their wagers. If you are tuning in internationally, our platform will carry the feed to ensure a global audience can witness this $3 million spectacle.

Official 2026 Pegasus World Cup Schedule and Date

The racing world converges on Hallandale Beach on Saturday, January 24, 2026. This date marks the 10th anniversary of the event, and the organizers have planned a schedule that reflects its prestige. While the doors open at 10:00 AM ET, the true heavyweights don’t enter the paddock until late afternoon. The main event typically posts at 5:40 PM ET, though the exact time can shift depending on the preceding stakes races. Enthusiasts participating in Pegasus World Cup betting should note that the undercard features seven other graded stakes, including the prestigious Turf Invitational, making the entire day a marathon of elite competition.

Expected Weather Forecast for Gulfstream Park

January in Florida is famously pleasant, and the 2026 forecast lives up to that reputation. Expected temperatures will range from a comfortable 22°C (72°F) in the morning to a peak of 27°C (81°F) during the feature race. Partly cloudy skies will provide some cover, but the lack of significant rain in the lead-up suggests a lightning-fast dirt track. A 10 mph breeze from the east will keep the humidity at a manageable 79%. For those looking to bet on Pegasus World Cup runners, these firm conditions are ideal for speed-centric horses like Disco Time and Mika, who thrive when the footing is consistent and dry.

Gulfstream Park Racecard Analysis for the 2026 Weekend

The racecard for this year is a masterpiece of handicapping challenges. Beyond the Invitational, the Turf and Filly & Mare Turf races offer deep pools that attract massive global handle. Analysts have noted that the Gulfstream dirt surface has shown a slight bias toward the inside paths during the current meet. This makes the post-position draw crucial for those engaging in Pegasus World Cup betting. Jockeys who can secure a spot on the rail or just off the leader’s flank without expending too much energy early will have a distinct advantage. We recommend watching the first three dirt races of the day to see if the “speed-favoring” trend holds true before finalizing your main event tickets.

Full Field Odds and Contender Deep Dive

The 2026 field is a mix of tactical veterans and explosive four-year-olds. Below is the detailed breakdown of the 12 horses vying for the crown, including their ratings and current Pegasus World Cup odds.

Disco Time – The Dominant Factor

Trainer Brad H. Cox has the luxury of starting Disco Time as the 8-5 morning-line favorite. This son of Not This Time comes into the race with a 7.47 rating after a blistering performance in the Dwyer Stakes. Jockey Flavien Prat knows the horse well and will likely use the rail draw to establish early dominance. Because he is undefeated in five starts, most of the Pegasus World Cup betting money will flow toward this horse. He possesses the tactical speed to clear the field early and the stamina to hold off the late chargers in the final furlong.

British Isles – The West Coast Mystery

David Fawkes brings British Isles to the gate at 20-1 odds, seeking to replicate the success of past California shippers. While his 6.89 rating is the second-lowest in the field, his runner-up finish in the Native Diver Stakes showed he can compete with graded stakes company. Diego A. Herrera will need to find a way to get this son of Justify into a rhythm early. For those who want to bet on Pegasus World Cup longshots, British Isles provides an intriguing pedigree that suggests he may have hidden gears at the 1 1/8-mile distance.

Full Serrano – The Classy Veteran

John W. Sadler brings back Full Serrano, a horse with a robust 7.82 rating and 12-1 odds. This son of Full Mast was a respectable fifth in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile and should appreciate the extra furlong at Gulfstream. Joel Rosario is a master of the “wait-and-fire” strategy, and he will likely keep Full Serrano in the mid-pack before launching a bid at the top of the stretch. He is a primary target for Pegasus World Cup betting players who look for horses with established Grade 1 credentials at a double-digit price.

Banishing – The Ghostzapper Specialist

Banishing, trained by David Jacobson, enters with a 7.25 rating and 20-1 odds. Jose L. Ortiz takes the mount on this Ghostzapper offspring who recently finished second in the Ring the Bell Stakes. Banishing has always been a horse that outruns his odds, and his physical stature makes him well-suited for the tight turns of Gulfstream Park. If the pace up front becomes too frantic, Banishing is the type of horse that can pick up the pieces and finish in the superfecta at a massive payout.

Skippylongstocking – The Local Legend

Saffie A. Joseph, Jr. relies on the battle-tested Skippylongstocking, who holds a 7.65 rating and 15-1 odds. Tyler Gaffalione stays aboard after a victory in the Harlan’s Holiday (G3). “Skippy” is a horse that horseplayers love because he never puts in a bad effort at Gulfstream. He has seen the Pegasus World Cup odds shift against him before, only to prove the doubters wrong. He is the heart and soul of the Florida racing scene and a mandatory inclusion in any exotic wagers this Saturday.

Madaket Road – The Baffert Influence

Bob Baffert sends Madaket Road to Florida with a 6.97 rating and 10-1 odds. Mike E. Smith, the “Big Money” rider, takes the mount. Despite a fourth-place finish in the Malibu, Baffert’s training regimen often yields massive improvements when his horses move from 7 furlongs to 9 furlongs. Baffert has won this race three times previously, and his presence alone forces the Pegasus World Cup betting market to take this horse seriously. Expect Madaket Road to be much more aggressive in the early stages of this race than he was in California.

Tappan Street – The Triple Threat

Brad Cox has a formidable second string in Tappan Street, who carries a 7.22 rating and 6-1 odds. Luis Saez, a king of the Gulfstream circuit, will be in the irons. Tappan Street’s recent win in a local allowance race showed a 122 speed figure, suggesting he is peaking at the perfect time. Because he is a son of Into Mischief, he possesses the natural speed required to stay close to the lead without being pressured. He represents the “smart money” for those looking to bet on Pegasus World Cup contenders with high upside.

Poster – The Reliable Stalker

Eoin G. Harty enters Poster with a 7.36 rating and 20-1 odds. Junior Alvarado takes the reins following a gutsy second-place finish in Harlan’s Holiday. Poster is a Munnings colt who thrives on competition; the more horses he has to fight, the harder he runs. He will likely sit in fifth or sixth position through the backstretch, waiting for the speed of Mika and Disco Time to fade. If the favorites duel each other into submission, Poster is the horse most likely to benefit from the chaos.

Captain Cook – The Pletcher Project

Todd A. Pletcher, a maestro of the Florida winter season, sends out Captain Cook at 15-1 odds with a 7.72 rating. John R. Velazquez will be aboard this son of Practical Joke. Pletcher’s horses often improve significantly in their second start over a specific track, and Captain Cook’s training reports from Palm Beach Downs have been glowing. He is a tactically sound horse that can adapt to whatever pace develops, making him a very “safe” play for Pegasus World Cup betting enthusiasts who want a horse that is guaranteed to be in the hunt.

Mika – The Speed King

Michael J. Maker brings the speed with Mika, who carries a 7.39 rating and 10-1 odds. Manuel Franco retains the mount after a silver-medal performance in the Cigar Mile that earned an eye-popping 137 speed rating. Mika is a front-runner by nature and will likely challenge Disco Time for the lead from the tenth post. While this could lead to a suicidal pace, Mika has shown the heart to hang on when other speedsters quit. He is the ultimate “X-factor” in this year’s Pegasus World Cup odds.

White Abarrio – The Returning King

Defending champion White Abarrio looks to make history for Saffie A. Joseph, Jr. He holds the field’s highest rating at 7.86 and carries 4-1 odds. Irad Ortiz, Jr., who has a record three wins in this race, will guide him from post 11. Although he finished fourth in the Jockey Club Gold Cup, his return to the Hallandale dirt is expected to spark a massive revival. He won this race with ease in 2025, and many experts believe he is still the most talented horse in the building when he is 100% healthy.

Brotha Keny – The Longshot Dream

The final entry is Brotha Keny, trained by Jose Francisco D’Angelo. He is the longest shot on the board at 30-1 with a 6.34 rating. Javier J. Castellano, a Hall of Fame jockey, will try to work a miracle with this son of Mo Town. While he won the Zia Park Derby, the class hike here is steep. However, if you are looking to bet on Pegasus World Cup history, remember that longshots have a way of sneaking into the frame in high-pressure Grade 1 races.

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Expert Analysis and Handicapping the 2026 Field

The key to the 2026 Pegasus World Cup is identifying the pace scenario. With Mika and Disco Time both wanting the lead, the opening quarter-mile will likely be under 23 seconds. This setup favors a “stalker” who can sit 4-5 lengths back. White Abarrio and Tappan Street fit this profile perfectly. Irad Ortiz, Jr. is a master at finding the right lane on the turn, and if he can get White Abarrio to relax, the defending champ is nearly impossible to beat at Gulfstream. We suggest focusing your Pegasus World Cup betting on an exacta box featuring White Abarrio and Tappan Street, using Full Serrano and Disco Time in the third spot of your trifectas.

Historical Perspective: Past Winners of the Pegasus

To understand the 2026 race, we must look at the giants who came before. The Pegasus World Cup has consistently crowned the “Horse of the Year” or a major divisional champion.

– 2025: White Abarrio (Irad Ortiz, Jr.)
– 2024: National Treasure (Flavien Prat)
– 2023: Art Collector (Junior Alvarado)
– 2022: Life Is Good (Irad Ortiz, Jr.)
– 2021: Knicks Go (Joel Rosario)
– 2020: Mucho Gusto (Irad Ortiz, Jr.)
– 2019: City of Light (Javier Castellano)

These winners share a common trait: they were all horses with elite speed who could maintain their momentum over 9 furlongs. This bodes well for the current favorites in the Pegasus World Cup odds, as Gulfstream continues to be a track that rewards the bold.

Strategic Betting Advice for Horseplayers

Before you bet on Pegasus World Cup races, ensure you are utilizing all available data. Speed figures from the Cigar Mile and the Harlan’s Holiday are the most relevant barometers for current form. Furthermore, track the performance of Brad Cox and Saffie Joseph, Jr. earlier in the day; if their horses are winning the undercard races, it’s a strong signal that their barns are “dialed in.” For the main event, the Pegasus World Cup betting volume will be massive, so look for “bridge jumpers” on the show pools to find value elsewhere. A small win bet on Tappan Street at 6-1 could provide a much better ROI than a heavy favorite that might get caught in a speed duel.

Are You Ready for the 2026 Pegasus World Cup

The 10th anniversary of the Pegasus World Cup promises to be a legendary chapter in the history of Gulfstream Park. With a field featuring a returning champion and an undefeated phenom, the stage is set for an epic showdown under the Florida sun. Whether you are watching from home or cheering in the grandstand, the intensity of this race is unmatched. Make your selections, check the Pegasus World Cup odds one last time, and get ready for a thrill ride. This is the moment where legends are born and where one lucky bettor could change their life forever.

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How to Watch Pegasus World Cup: Schedule, Contenders and Odds