O’Connor was a star in his native Chile, where he was Horse of the Year during the 2021-22 season. His career highlight was winning the Group 1 Gran Premio Latinamericano, one of the top races in South America.

After he dominated his U.S. debut by six lengths at Gulfstream in October 2022, trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr., had dreams of winning the Pegasus at his home track. Not even close.

Joseph “didn’t think he could get beat” in last year’s Pegasus prep, the Harlan’s Holiday (G3), but O’Connor was fourth as the 6-5 favorite. After an 11^th-place dud in the Pegasus, O’Connor put together a strong year, finishing in the money in five of six stakes. Winning his last two, the Fayette (G2) at Keeneland and the Harlan’s Holiday, brings this deep closer into the Pegasus on a roll.

Tyler Gaffalione rode him in both races and is upbeat about his chances. “I know he’s an older horse and he’s run a bunch of times,” he said, “but it seems like he’s figuring things out now.”

Betting advice: Needs a strong pace but won from far back at speed-biased Gulfstream. Play him across the board.

Post position: 2

Odds: 8/1

 Jockey: Paco Lopez

Trainer: Saffie Joseph, Jr.

Owners: Michael Iavarone, Julia Iavarone, Fernando Vine Ode

Age: 7

 Career record: 27-12-7-3

 Career earnings: $749,319

Most recent race: Harlan’s Holiday (G3), Won

Top Equibase speed figure: 113

 Pedigree: Boboman-Torrente de Agua (CHI), by Touch Gold

Color: Bay

 Running style: Closer

Notes: Co-owner Michael Iavarone was the lead owner of Big Brown, who crushed the 2008 Kentucky Derby and Preakness before finishing last as the heavy favorite in the Belmont … The flamboyant Iavarone loves attention and often wears eye-catching outfits in the paddock … O’Connor made his first 18 starts in Chile, winning a Group 1, a Group 2 and three Group 3 events.

The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.