ART COLLECTOR TURNS IN A MASTERPIECE IN PEGASUS

  The fact the favorite did not win in the seventh running of the Pegasus World Cup on January 28 was not a real shocker. The horse who happened to fly home first was a bit of a surprise.

  In what was easily the most wide-open field since this race was elevated to mega-money status in 2017, twelve runners lined up to make a bid for the lion’s share of $3 million. Even though Art Collector came in with more career earnings than anyone, he was somewhat dismissed at odds of 15-1. One so-called expert’s comment (that’s ME) before the race was he looks like no Picasso here. Man was that guy ever wrong !!! This six-year-old son of Bernardini painted the Sistine Chapel over the Gulfstream dirt with a pace-stalking run.

  Some may say this renewal of January’s biggest race for older horses was not that strong and that explains the result. I, on the other hoof, prefer to give Art Collector and his team credit for their brilliance. Putting the pieces of the puzzle together is not easy in this game. Art Collector’s 4 ½ length win was convincing to say the very least. Favorites may have dominated the past six Pegasus Cups, but an inspired effort by a horse that has now earned over $4 million on the track in 2023 was a real masterpiece.

  Art Collector returned $33 on a $2 win wager and along with Defunded, Stilleto Boy, and Last Samurai keyed a 10-cent superfecta payout of $4335. Back a horse and get paid.