pegasus world cup championship invitational series

Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey has a resume that includes a Kentucky Derby (G1), Belmont (G1), Florida Derby (G1), nine Breeders' Cup championships and more than 100 Grade 1 victories.

Now he's taking aim for the first time at the Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational (G1) Saturday at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Fla., with Code of Honor in the $3-million Pegasus World Cup and North Dakota and Breaking the Rules in the $1-million Pegasus World Cup Turf.

Code of Honor, a 5-year-old son Noble Mission who won the 2019 Travers (G1), has been “doing well” training at Payson Park and McGaughey believes he'll appreciate the 1 1/8 mile distance of the Pegasus and a firm track.

In the wide-open Pegasus Turf, McGaughey will saddle North Dakota, coming into the race off a victory in the Red Smith (G3), and Breaking the Rules, third at Gulfstream Dec. 12 in the Fort Lauderdale (G2).

McGaughey spoke to Gulfstream host and analyst Acacia Courtney about his three horses and his chances in the Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational.