After three previous swings and three disappointments, Skippylongstocking finally claimed the race that had eluded him, grinding his way to victory in Saturday’s $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) at Gulfstream Park. On his fourth attempt, the durable 7-year-old gelding delivered the defining performance of his career, outfinishing defending champion White Abarrio by 1¾ lengths over 1⅛ miles.

The victory capped the 10th running of the Pegasus World Cup on a deep 13-race card that included 10 stakes races and more than $5.6 million in total purses. But it was Skippylongstocking’s persistence — not the spectacle — that lingered longest.

Trained by Saffie Joseph Jr. for owner Daniel Alonso, Skippylongstocking came into the race off a sharp win in the Dec. 28 Harlan’s Holiday (G3), a performance that convinced his connections he still had something meaningful left to give. Saturday confirmed it.

Settled well off the early speed by Tyler Gaffalione, Skippylongstocking watched Disco Time blaze through opening fractions of 22.25 and 46.09 while the field sorted itself behind. White Abarrio tracked closely, poised to strike, while Gaffalione stayed patient and resisted the urge to chase.

That patience paid off.

White Abarrio made his move on the far turn, sweeping to the front and briefly looking every bit the reigning Pegasus champion. But just as the race tilted his way, Skippylongstocking found another gear. Splitting horses turning for home, he lengthened stride, reeled in his stablemate, and powered past in the final furlong.

The final time of 1:48.49 not only delivered a long-sought Grade 1 trophy, but also secured Skippylongstocking an automatic, fees-paid berth in the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Keeneland this fall.

White Abarrio, making his first start since August after a disrupted campaign that included a late scratch from the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, lost nothing in defeat. The 7-year-old battled on bravely to finish second, 5½ lengths clear of Full Serrano in third, showing his trademark grit despite the long layoff.

Captain Cook finished fourth, while early pacesetter Disco Time faded badly. Tappan Street, the Curlin Florida Derby (G1) winner and one of the pre-race betting choices, never factored and finished last.

Skippylongstocking entered the race with more than $3.7 million in earnings. He left it with the one prize that had stubbornly remained out of reach — and a legacy now defined not by near misses, but by resilience.