First Mission is set to make a significant leap onto the North American racing stage as he ventures into the G1 Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park on January 27.

The Street Sense colt boasts a promising trajectory, concluding his three-year-old season under Brad Cox with a commendable nose second in the G2 Clark Stakes at Churchill Downs, overcoming an interrupted campaign due to injury.

After securing an easy maiden victory at Fair Grounds on his second start, First Mission displayed resilience by triumphing over G1 Woody Stephens Stakes winner Arabian Lion in the G3 Lexington Stakes at Keeneland's Spring Meet.

Although sidelined from the G1 Preakness Stakes due to an ankle injury, First Mission made a triumphant return at Keeneland in October, clinching an allowance optional claimer.

Michael Banahan, Director of Bloodstock, Godolphin USA, expressed Brad Cox's satisfaction with First Mission's winter preparations, citing strong workouts with a couple of bullet breezes since the start of the year.

With a favorable draw in stall eight, positioned next to the morning line favorite National Treasure, expectations are high for First Mission's bold performance in his debut at the G1 level.

Banahan anticipates that, if all goes according to plan, First Mission will establish himself as one of the premier older horses in the country.
 

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