Pegasus-Saudi Cup Redux ‘Possible’ As Buscador Teams With Alvarado Again

[Wandering Eyes]

Last year, owner Joey Peacock, trainer Todd Fincher and jockey Junior Alvarado were on cloud nine when Senor Buscador (Mineshaft) finished as a game runner-up in the GI Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park. However, that was only the beginning because when the homebred rolled late–downright tardy–to take the G1 Saudi Cup the revels were in full effect more than half a world away.

With so much success then, it would stand to reason that trying to pull off another shot at the Pegasus-Saudi Cup double would be the move. And apparently that is just what Peacock from San Antonio has in mind.

“Todd and I talked about it, and even though the Saudi Cup Feb. 22 and the start of the breeding season coincide we would only lose like a week,” Senor Buscador's breeder and owner said. “The season in Kentucky where we intend on standing him doesn't start until mid-February. So we felt like we can make this happen. He will miss a little bit, but he won't lose any major time at stud. It's possible.”

Now seven, Senor Buscador was slated to finish his career in the Pegasus and head to the breeding shed, but now the plans could shift. Peacock confirmed that Alvarado, who rode his horse starting with a runner-up performance in 2023 GII Cigar Mile Handicap at the Big A through a third-place finish in the G1 Dubai World Cup, will once again be in the irons.

“Having Junior come out to California at Del Mar, this past summer and into the fall, just wasn't in the cards with him being at Saratoga and riding for the likes of Bill Mott,” he said. “He's a fabulous jockey and he is on board for the Pegasus and up for going back to Saudi Arabia, if our guy comes out of the race at Gulfstream in good shape.”

Despite some injuries at three and four, Senor Buscador has maintained excellent health under Fincher's care. The runner who treats dirt with turf-like tactics, was a respectable fifth in the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Classic, but he a bad stumble in the Cigar Mile last December which foiled any chance for a rally–he ended up ninth.

Buscador schools last year in preparation for the Pegasus World Cup | Lauren King

“Joel Rosario did an amazing job staying on him in the Cigar,” Peacock said. “I was really worried [Senor Buscador] had hurt himself, but he came back fine. Right now, he is working great for Todd at Sunland Park.”

If Senor Buscador's fitness level maintains its current trajectory, then Peacock would have no problem seeing Fincher assistant Oscar Rojero–who was with the horse throughout the trip abroad last year–jet back to Saudi Arabia for the world's richest race.

Back in February, TDN reported that Peacock had signed a two-race lease (Saudi Cup/Dubai World Cup) for an undisclosed amount with Saudi businessman Sharaf Mohammed S. Al-Hariri. That is why Alvarado sported blue and white silks at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse and not Peacock's colors of light blue and neon green.

When asked if he would be open to another arrangement like the one he struck last year, Peacock said that all business decisions are always on the table.

“Look, I'm always willing to listen,” he said. “Mr. Al-Hariri took a risk and it paid off for him. We always look for opportunities and I wouldn't be opposed to looking at options. We're always open-minded.”

When it comes to his future career as a sire, the homebred is confirmed for duty in Kentucky. Where will that be? Peacock is unwilling to disclose any details since negotiations are ongoing.

If Senor Buscador's racing career provides any clues to what is ahead, then that means anything is possible.

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