The best two milers in the world are in the top slots of this week's Power Ranking!
Goldikova won the Prix Rothschild for an unprecedented 4th time on Sunday, further cementing her status as Number One. The six-year-old mare has been at the top of the Power Ranking since November of 2010, and at this point it looks like she will remain there until this November. Her ultimate goal is the BC Mile, but she may prep in another race in Europe, which has fans salivating over the prospect of her meeting up with the #2 horse on the list - Frankel.
Frankel destroyed a tough field of older milers in the Sussex stakes last week, soundly defeating Canford Cliffs. His dazzling turn of foot has the world talking "greatest ever." His trainer has so far ruled out a go in the Breeders' Cup this year, but with 3 months to go and a vocal fan base here, one shouldn't be surprised if that decision changes. Fans around the world are clamouring for a Goldikova/Frankel matchup.
Blind Luck comes in at #3, with the Clement L. Hirsch next on her radar - or possibly the Personal Ensign at Saratoga.
Havre De Grace sits at #4, with the Woodward on her radar. The Personal Ensign and another chance at Blind Luck could also be next for her.
So You Think ranks #5, the best older horse in Europe. He will next run in the Juddmonte International Stakes, with the Arc on his long-term calendar.
Number 6 is Kentucky Derby winner
Animal Kingdom. Though he won't race again this year, the rest of the sophomore crop has failed to produce a consistent challenger to his top ranking.
Black Caviar ranks #7, the best sprinter in the world. She is slated to return this fall (spring Down Under).
Awesome Maria is the #8 horse and the third-best US filly. She is out for the year with an injury, but her performances to date have been impressive enough to keep her in the top 10.
Trappe Shot once again is the highest-rated US older male, at #9. He will run again this weekend in the A.G. Vanderbilt at Saratoga.
Finally, Juddmonte's talented mare
Midday ranks 10th, a big move for her in the wake of her victory in the Nassau stakes at Glorious Goodwood.
Knocking on the door
Gio Ponti ranks 12th and could move up again if he defeats Cape Blanco in the upcoming Arlington Million.
Haskell winner
Coil ranks 16th, while
Jim Dandy Stakes winner
Stay Thirsty ranks 41st.
Sanford winner Overdriven leaped onto the Top 50 with a 26th ranking.
Top 10 3 Year Old Males
Here's a look at the sophomore class, post-Haskell/Jim Dandy.
The Travers is setting up to be an exciting race, with
Stay Thirsty,
Shackleford, and
Coil all probable. A great run by any of those three could grab the 3yr old male Eclipse from Animal Kingdom.
BC Juvenile Contenders
The 2 year old stakes are heating up and each week new stars shine. Here's the Top 10 Juveniles list, to help you start your
BC Juvenile contenders (and
Kentucky Derby 2012 contenders, too!).
Is Overdriven really the best 2 year old? Will Goldikova meet Frankel in a Turf Mile Battle Royale? Will Game On Dude emerge the top older male? Will Stay Thirsty salvage a scattered 3 year old group? I don't have a clue, but tune in next week anyway for the next Power Ranking Report!!