Sticksstatelydude Works; Pegasus Possible

Graded stakes winner Sticksstatelydude is definitely slated to make his next start at Gulfstream Park Jan. 28. Exactly which race the son of First Dude   lands in the starting gate for is another question.

On a sun-splashed morning at the Palm Meadows Training Center, Sticksstatelydude turned in a four-furlong work in :49.75 Dec. 16 that his connections hope is a step toward a spot in the gate for the $12 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (gr. I).

The 3-year-old colt, who is owned in a partnership that includes brothers Alvin Haynes Jr. and Mitch Haynes, does not currently have a slot in the gate for the 1 1/8-mile inaugural running of the Pegasus. Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin said he has been approached by connections with confirmed berths inquiring about leasing the horse for the Pegasus, but so far no deals have been struck.

After Sticksstatelydude covered a half-mile with exercise rider Roger Horgan aboard, McLaughlin said if the Pegasus turns out not to be an option, he is looking at the $400,000 Poseidon, also at 1 1/8 miles on the dirt and part of the undercard, as an alternative. 

"He is pointing toward a race on Jan. 28," McLaughlin said. "There is a $400,000 race on the undercard, or the Pegasus, if someone needs a horse. We could be talked into a lease for that day. He will continue to work weekly and we'll hope for the best. At least there is the option of the other race if we don't get into the Pegasus."

Sticksstatelydude won the Discovery Stakes (gr. III) at Aqueduct Racetack in his most recent start Nov. 12, his first graded stakes win in eight starts.The Discovery's runner-up, Neolithic, was a nine-length winner of an allowance race at Gulfstream Dec. 14.

BALAN: Sticksstatelydude Takes Discovery Handicap

Another horse who could possibly come into play for the Pegasus World Cup is graded stakes winner Mr. Jordan. The 4-year-old son of Kantharos   became a horse of interest when he produced a 3 3/4-length triumph in the $100,000 Sunshine Millions Classic Preview at Gulfstream Park West Nov. 12.

BLOODHORSE STAFF: Mr. Jordan Dominates Millions Classic Preview

Although preliminary inquiries have been made concerning the Pegasus, trainer Eddie Plesa is currently preparing the gray gelding for a start in the $250,000 Sunshine Millions Classic at Gulfstream Jan. 17.

"They've got 12 people who have spots and paid a million for them. They have to find horses. I guess my horse is a logical horse for somebody to call and ask about. I've had two phone calls," Plesa said. "The bottom line is for us, he's probably going to be the favorite in a race with a purse of $250,000, with $150,000 to the winner. I don't know the figures and how they work out. How does somebody compensate me? It's a difficult situation.

"We have all intentions of running in the Sunshine Millions. If somebody wants to put a solid offer on the table, myself and my partners would listen and then make a decision. It hasn't gotten that far just—just inquiries."

Mr. Jordan, who is owned by Plesa's wife Laurie and longtime clients David Melin and Leon Ellman, has finished in the money in 15 of his 17 starts, including a triumph in the 2015 Pegasus Stakes (gr. III) at Monmouth Park. The Florida-bred has blossomed in recent starts after being gelded in July and with a chronic foot issue resolved.