Fusaichi Pegasus Is Breeders Cup Favorite

ByABC News
November 2, 2000, 10:25 AM

L O U I S V I L L E, Ky., Nov. 2 -- Fusaichi Pegasus, who had everyonestumbling over his name after a victory in the Kentucky Derby, ison the verge of retirement.

But like any big-timer close to the end, the 3-year-oldthoroughbred needs a victory in the Breeders’ Cup Classic to cap ashort, but spectacular career.

Fusaichi Pegasus will face older horses for the first time inSaturday’s race, worth a record $4.77 million purse. At stake isthe Horse of the Year crown and the 3-year-old championship.

“When he was purchased, the two races we wanted to win with himwere the Kentucky Derby and the Breeders’ Cup Classic,” trainerNeil Drysdale said. “He’s won the Derby, and he is a fresh horsefor the Classic. He is right where he is supposed to be.”

Multi-Million Dollar Retirement

The horse with the Japanese connections was made the 8-5 earlyfavorite today to win the Classic at Churchill Downs, althoughhe has raced only once because of minor hoof problems since beingupset in the Preakness on May 20.

It will be the last race for Fusaichi Pegasus, who will beretired to breeding under a deal valued at $60 million-$70 million.

Drysdale said he is pleased with how Fusaichi Pegasus is comingup to the race, “But, on paper, this looks like a severe test. I’malways nervous about everything. If you have been around longenough, you know the improbable can happen. I don’t take anythingfor granted.”

Fusaichi Pegasus won the one-mile Jerome Handicap on Sept. 23 atBelmont Park, his sixth victory in seven starts this year.

Five of Fusaichi Pegasus’ rivals in the 14-horse field also are3-year-olds — Albert the Great, Captain Steve, Tiznow,England-based Giant’s Causeway and Ireland-based Pine Dance. Twoother contenders are 1999 Classic winner Cat Thief and Lemon DropKid.

Lemon Drop Kid might have wrapped up Horse of the Year honorswith a victory in the Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont on Oct. 14,which would have given him five consecutive wins, including threestraight in Grade I races. But he was bumped at the gate byBehrens.