Purse Will Square Connections of Four Pegasus Horses

Some added money and some shifts in the approach to purse payouts will see the connections of four horses in this year's Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes (G1) at least break even.

The 1 1/8-mile stakes for older horses returns for its second edition Jan. 27 at Gulfstream Park with some tweaks to its purse and its conditions. 

In its first year the $12 million Pegasus purse was completely funded by stakeholders who each paid $1 million for a slot in the race. This year the race still features $12 million in funding from the stakeholder approach, but Gulfstream owner The Stronach Group has kicked in an extra $4 million to increase the purse to $16 million.

That extra $4 million commitment has largely been used to minimize the losses of stakeholders who do not earn a top finish in the race. Like last year, the winner of the race will earn $7 million, which in 2017 was 58% of the purse money but this year is 44% of the $16 million available.

While purse money is up 33% this year, the amount paid to the stakeholder-owner connections of the runner-up is down 9% from $1.75 million to $1.6 million. 

With the purse increased, winner payout the same, and runner-up money reduced, the race will see payouts for all other finishing positions increased. Third-place money is up 30% from $1 million to $1.3 million and fourth-place money has been increased from $250,000 to $1 million. Last year the $250,000 payout was the minimum return and it went to the stakeholders of the fourth- through 12th-place finishers.

Also this year fifth place will see a payout above the minimum. Last year it returned $250,000, but this year will pay $850,000.

Besides moving the break-even purse payout—an amount matching the buy-in stake—to cover the top four spots this year compared with the top three finishers last year, the race will see an increased payout for all participants. Last year's minimum return of $250,000 has been increased to $650,000 for this year's sixth- through 12th-place finishers.

Stronach Group chief operating officer Tim Ritvo said the participants worked out the payout structure for this season. 

"Each participant will receive a minimum of $650,000," Ritvo said. "It's a work in progress and I think everyone was happy with where we set it this year."

Looking at other conditions in the race, a filly or mare will compete for the first time this year. Stellar Wind drew post 3 and was allowed three pounds. She'll carry 121 pounds, while all other starters will carry 124.

While no connections of Pegasus horses opted to take advantage, the race also offers a seven-pound weight allowance for any horse who races without Lasix. This year all of the horses entered are scheduled to receive race-day Lasix.

The total available money this year also has received a boost as it is listed at "an estimated $16.3 million."