Life Is Good Nears No. 1 Essential Quality in NTRA Poll

Life Is Good was as good as advertised March 6 when the son of Into Mischief  rolled to an eight-length victory in the San Felipe Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Park. As a result of that emphatic triumph, the bay colt was able to close the gap on champion Essential Quality in this week's National Thoroughbred Racing Association Top 3-Year-Old Thoroughbred Poll.

The Bob Baffert-trainee earned 17 first-place votes and 360 points to move up to second on the poll just behind Essential Quality, who continues to hold down the No. 1 slot with 20 first-place votes and 369 points.

There was no change in the top three of the NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll as grade 1 winner Charlatan continues to lead the way with 24 first-place votes and 370 points.

Joining the top 10 fray this week is the Richard Baltas-trained Idol, who earned 175 points to rank fourth following his victory in the Santa Anita Handicap (G1).

NTRA Top 3-Year-Old Poll

Rank, Horse, Points (first-place votes)

1. Essential Quality    369 (20)

2. Life Is Good    360 (17)

3. Greatest Honour    293 (1)

4. Mandaloun    240 (1)

5. Medina Spirit    174

6. Caddo River    158

7. Concert Tour    123

8. Keepmeinmind    87

9. Helium    72

10. Risk Taking    65

NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll

Rank, Horse, Points (first-place votes)

1. Charlatan    370 (24)

2. Monomoy Girl   343 (14)

3. Knicks Go    291

4. Idol    175

5. Mystic Guide    150 (1)

6. Swiss Skydiver    148

7. Maxfield    147

8. Colonel Liam    137

9. Gamine    78

10. Jesus' Team    51