Racing Dudes Three Stars of the Week: Mucho Gusto Dominates Pegasus

With the Pegasus World Cup (G1) in the books for another year, the attention will now turn fully to the Kentucky Derby Prep Series. However, before we officially turn the page, let’s take a look back at last week’s exciting action with our latest Three Stars of the Week:  

1. Mucho Gusto 

He may have gotten some help with some key scratches; however, Mucho Gusto showed up with a strong effort last Saturday, taking home the Pegasus World Cup (G1) by 4 1/2 lengths. Right out of the gate, jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr., put him in a perfect position up the backside, stalking the pace in third. Turning for home, the horse swung three wide before dominating his rivals down the lane with ease. His strong 107 Beyer speed figure suggests that he might be starting to develop into a solid older horse. This victory puts him on the handicap division radar as we head into 2020. 

2. Zulu Alpha 

There is no doubt that this horse loves Gulfstream Park. Zulu Alpha picked up the biggest win of his career last Saturday, taking home the second running of the Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1). Sent off at a solid 11/1, the Mike Maker-trained gelding dropped to the back of the pack out of the gate. Turning for home, he began to unwind with a big run while Tyler Gaffalione gave him a picture-perfect trip up the inside. He passed them all with ease, aside from the pace-setting Magic Wand, who he engulfed in mid-stretch before kicking away for a 2-length win. This victory likely earned him a shot at several other big turf events in the coming months. 

3. Gold Street

Steve Asmussen saddled four horses in this year’s Smarty Jones Stakes, so it was no surprise when he found the winner’s circle in the race on opening day at Oaklawn Park. Gold Street took the early lead, with Lynn’s Map sitting a half-length back in second. Turning for home Gold Street started to widen his lead, putting away the front runners, while holding off a late charge by Three Technique for a 2 3/4-length triumph. Gold Street has proven that he loves a wet surface, which is always a nice thing to know. This victory gives him solid momentum heading into the next round of preps.