The phrase "had pegged" could be replaced with various synonyms depending on the context. One could substitute it with "identified," "marked," "labeled," "classified," or "categorized." These words have similar meanings to "had pegged," which indicates a level of certainty or conviction in one's assessment. In some cases, it could also mean predicting or anticipating something accurately. The choice of synonyms would depend on the intended tone and the message that needs to be conveyed. Ultimately, the use of synonyms allows for a more diverse and nuanced language, making the communication more effective and precise.