Trainer Graham Motion has earmarked South African champion jockey Gavin Lerena for a major international ride, confirming that Lerena has been booked to partner One Stripe in the Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational at Gulfstream Park. The arrangement is subject to the necessary approvals. 

The move comes after One Stripe signaled a return to peak form with a commanding victory on Boxing Day, when he brushed aside his rivals to land a $59,000 Allowance Optional Claiming over a mile at Gulfstream Park. The win was decisive, with the Motion-trained runner asserting control and drawing away to score with authority.

That performance proved timely, earning One Stripe an invitation to the $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational (G1), one of the premier turf events on the American racing calendar. The race will be staged at Gulfstream Park on January 24, placing One Stripe on a global stage against elite opposition.

If all clearances are secured, Lerena’s involvement adds further international flavor to the contest, while Motion will be hoping recent form translates into a competitive showing on one of U.S. racing’s biggest winter days.