Betting the 2022 Pegasus
There are many in horseracing who feel the 2022 Pegasus is a two-horse race between Knicks Go and Life is Good. It may be but they still must run the race, and we have all seen these free squares and apparent match races fall apart at times.
Life is Good has been a raw talent and extremely fast and highly regarded horse since he first hit the racetrack. He proved his class winning the Breeders’ Cup Mile rather easily. Knicks Go seemed to go from good to great once he moved to the Brad Cox barn. He has built up quite a resume which includes a Breeders’ Cup Mile, a Breeders’ Cup Classic, and last year’s Pegasus. Should Knicks Go win on Saturday he will become the first two-time and back-to-back Pegasus winner.
If Knicks Go has a flaw it may be his ability to fight for a win. We have yet to see him really have to dig down and gut one out. When challenged early in the Saudi Cup and the Met Mile Knicks Go packed it in. maybe the key to this race is as simple ad will anyone be able to take it to Knicks Go early? Life is Good is fast, probably fast enough to do that, but will that be the strategy Irad Ortiz and Todd Pletcher employ? We’ll find that out on Saturday afternoon. From the rail draw Knicks Go can be expected to do just that, go, go, and go. If nobody can or nobody does go with him, the race may likely be conceded unless Life is God is just that good and can reel him in.
So how does one play a race like the Pegasus? It is probably easier than you think to play it smart, winning, well that depends on your opinion.
If you think it is indeed a two-horse race between the two horses who will take much of the action as favorite and co-favorite, it is easy to play. You must take a stand with who you prefer and go all in on it. No hedging, no backups, and no using both or anyone else. You take your stand and ride or die with it. There is no room for anyone else on your ticket.
If you think it is a duel to submission scenario, which can easily be visualized on paper it is more of a puzzle. Who is fast and good enough under those conditions to pick up the pieces? Keen Ice was not as good or fast as American Pharoah but he beat him under the right circumstances.
If you are of the mindset the two favorites will cause each other to get beat, you have room. You can spread and fish for the winner. You do not have to lock in so to speak. What you must do in that scenario is again ride with your opinion and back it. Use as many as you think you need, but what you can’t or shouldn’t do is use Knicks Go or Life is Good. You must back your opinion, and not be afraid to score when right or live to fight another day when wrong. It’s really that simple.
If you like someone other than the top two heavy hitters, do I really need to tell you what to do? I didn’t think so. Go for it!
Not to hedge, but as of now I’m undecided. I think on the square Life is Good is better than Knicks Go. That is just my opinion. I think he is faster. I also think he should have beat Jackie’s Warrior in Saratoga last August. I also have my eye on one or two other horses I think are sitting on a potential big effort. Big enough to win, that will depend on what Irad and Joel doll out. Pace makes the race as they say.
What I do know is if I go with either of the two big guns, I won’t be using the other one.
Enjoy the races on Saturday. It should be a fun day with some nice wagering opportunities as well. I hope to see some of you at our FREE PEGASUS SEMINAR, check it out HERE
