Despite loss, Nyquist remains atop NTRA poll

Photo of Exaggerator and Nyquist by George Adams.

From a National Thoroughbred Racing Association release

After four defeats to his rival, Exaggerator finally turned the tables Saturday at Pimlico Race Course, parlaying a sealed, sloppy track, a ground-saving trip, and an early speed duel that sapped his rival to post a three-length win in the Grade 1 Preakness Staes.

However, the NTRA poll voters were not swayed and kept Exaggerator as their second choice in the overall top ten while keeping the Kentucky Derby (GI) winner Nyquist (35 first-place votes, 413 points) in first-place in week twelve of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) Top 3-Year-Old Poll.

Exaggerator, who is trained by Keith Desormeaux, finished second behind Nyquist in the Kentucky Derby (GI) two weeks earlier at Churchill Downs, was the recipient of a ground-saving ride from jockey Kent Desormeaux, brother of the trainer Keith Desormeaux to prevail over 10 rivals in the $1.5 million Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown.

Rounding out the top-ten are: Gun Runner (302); Songbird (280); Mohaymen (224); Cathryn Sophia (139); Cherry Wine (137); Suddenbreakingnews (122); Unified (68) and Destin (65).

The NTRA Top 3-Year-Old Poll is the sport’s most comprehensive survey of experts ranking the generation of Thoroughbreds that includes all Triple Crown contenders. Every week as many as 50 eligible journalists and broadcasters cast votes for their top 10 horses, with points awarded on a 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 basis. The NTRA Top Three-Year-Old Poll concludes Monday, June 12, following the Belmont Stakes, the third jewel of the Triple Crown.

In the Top Thoroughbred Poll, the all-time leading money earner in the U.S., California Chrome, remains on top for the twelfth straight week with (40 first-place votes, 418 points) after his smashing 3 3/4-length victory in the $10 million Dubai World Cup (Group 1). With earnings of $12,532,650, California Chrome surpassed 2008 Dubai World Cup winner Curlin, who retired to stud with earnings of $10,501,800.

North American champion turf female Tepin (1 first-place vote, 348 points) remains second in the rankings for owner Robert Masterson and trainer Mark Casse after her dominating 3 ½ length victory in the Churchill Distaff Turf Mile (G2) for fillies and mares this past Saturday. Tepin joins Foresta (1990-91) as the only repeat winner to win this race.

Three-time Eclipse Award Champion, Beholder (281) remains in third place for Richard Mandella and owner, B. Wayne Hughes.

Rounding out the field is: Nyquist (1 first-place vote, 251 points); Exaggerator (186); Songbird (159); Effinex (156); Hoppertunity (113); Melatonin (85); and Mshawish (60).

The NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll concludes Monday, November 7, following the Breeders’ Cup World Championships,which will be held at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California.

The full results for both NTRA weekly Thoroughbred polls can be found on the NTRA website.