Five months after an unsuccessful trip to Dubai for the $5 million Dubai
Sheema Classic, Champ Pegasus returns to face five rivals in Saturday’s
$200,000, Grade II Del Mar Mile on the Jimmy Durante Turf Course.
Champ Pegasus, winner of the Del Mar Handicap, the Clement L. Hirsch at Oak
Tree at Hollywood Park and second in the $3 million Breeders’ Cup Turf in a
remarkable run in the fall of 2010, was 12th of 14, beaten nearly 30
lengths in the Dubai race.
“He did not run well at all and came back a little sore, but nothing
serious, so we gave him a couple months off,” trainer Richard Mandella said.
“He’s been training great. He’s known for going further than this (mile), but
he’s fresh and I think this will be a good start for him.
“And he might be better at a mile than I know. I’ve never tried it
with him.”
Champ Pegasus has five wins and has been out of the money only twice in
twelve starts with earnings of $1,018,520. Champ Pegasus drew the No. 1
post position. Others, from the rail out are Caracortado (Joe Talamo),
Mr. Commons (Mike Smith), Calimonco (Victor Espinoza), Our Nautique (Garrett
Gomez) and Victory Pete (Rafael Bejarano). Caracortado is also entered in
Sunday’s Pat O’Brien Stakes.