Pegasus Invitee Math Wizard Breezes at Gulfstream
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Photo: Rick Samuels
Math Wizard with trainer Saffie Joseph Jr.
Math Wizard, an invitee to the $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes Presented by Runhappy (G1) at Gulfstream Park Jan. 25, returned to the work tab Jan. 5.
The 4-year-old son of Algorithms , who missed a workout last weekend because of a slight fever, breezed a half-mile in :48.21 under assistant trainer Sabine Langvad at Gulfstream. The move, accomplished in company with Perfect Revenge, was the ninth-quickest of 89 at the distance.
"He did it the right way. It wasn't supposed to be serious today. Next week we'll pick it up," said trainer Saffie Joseph Jr., who celebrated his 33rd birthday the morning after saddling three stakes winners at Gulfstream Park.
The main objective for the 2019 Pennsylvania Derby (G1) winner is the Saudi Cup Feb. 29.
"Pegasus is in play, but it's unlikely," Joseph said. "He still has time. Obviously, he missed a week, which set us back, but it's still a longshot."
Joseph-trained Tonalist's Shape, undefeated in three starts, breezed an "easy" half-mile in :49.67 in preparation for a planned start in the Feb. 2 Forward Gal Stakes (G3).
Joseph reported Sunday morning that Shooting Star Thoroughbreds' Chance It exited his victory in the $100,000 Mucho Macho Man Stakes in good order.
"He bounced out good. We haven't gone over him yet, but everything looks good," Joseph said. "He walked this morning. He seems fresh. We're happy."
Racing for the first time since capturing the $400,000 Florida Sire Stakes In Reality Division at Gulfstream Sept. 28, Chance It battled along the rail with As Seen On Tv through the stretch before prevailing by a head.
"At the eighth pole, in my opinion, (he) was beaten. To show that guts and determination and find a little extra is a true testament to the quality of horse he is," said Joseph, who also won the Glitter Woman Stakes with Sound Machine and the Kitten's Joy Stakes (G3T) with Island Commish.
Joseph said the Feb. 2 Holy Bull Stakes (G3) and Feb. 29 Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) are on the radar for Chance It.