Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes

Flavien Prat, a leading rider on the Southern California circuit, will be aboard 2018 Xpressbet Florida Derby (G1) winner Audible in the $9 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes (G1), the richest race in North America, Jan. 26 at Gulfstream Park.

Audible's trainer, Todd Pletcher, confirmed the mount Sunday afternoon after speaking with Elliott Walden, president and CEO of WinStar Farm, which co-owns the 4-year-old colt with China Horse Club, Head of Plains Partners, and Starlight Racing.



Prat, 26, moved from his native France to Southern California full-time at the end of 2014 and has won riding titles at both Santa Anita Park and Del Mar. He owns two Breeders' Cup victories, including Battle of Midway for WinStar and Don Alberto Stable in the 2017 Las Vegas Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1). Earlier that year, Battle of Midway ran third in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1).

"Just in talking to the connections, and I talked to Elliott a little while ago, we had discussed Flavien," Pletcher said. "We had success with him, winning the Breeders' Cup with him on Battle of Midway. We thought he'd be a good fit, so we decided to go with him."

Audible has been ridden by Hall of Famers Javier Castellano and John Velazquez in his eight-race career. Velazquez was aboard for both his maiden win and the Florida Derby, and Castellano has been up for three victories, including the Holy Bull Stakes (G2) and Cherokee Run Stakes last year.

Velazquez has the call on 2017 Clark Handicap Presented by Norton Healthcare (G1) winner Seeking the Soul in the 1 1/8-mile Pegasus. Castellano is named on 2018 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1) winner City of Light .

"(Audible has) had success with both Johnny and Javier," Pletcher said. "Flavien seems to be riding in really good form. We thought he'd fit him well."

Pletcher said Audible exited Saturday's five-furlong breeze in 1:00.98 at Palm Beach Downs in good order. It was his third work since finishing second by a half-length as the favorite in the Harlan's Holiday Stakes (G3) Dec. 15 at Gulfstream