Nature Strip on Top in World's Best Racehorse Ratings

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Photo: Mark Gatt
Nature Strip wins the Heineken TJ Smith Stakes

Sprinting ace Nature Strip  has taken over the top spot in the third edition of the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings for 2021.

Previously rated at 121, he improved his rating to 123 in the Heineken TJ Smith Stakes (G1) at Randwick. Under jockey James McDonald, Nature Strip easily pulled away to win by two lengths in a field where the first five finishers are group 1 winners.

Earlier this season, Nature Strip won the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (G1), and he finished second by a short head to Eduardo, rated at 121, in the Hyland Race Colours Challenge Stakes (G2). Eduardo was third in the TJ Smith.

Globe-trotting Addeybb  rated at 121 also improved his rating from 118 in his most recent start, a half-length victory in the Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) also at Randwick. His first start of the year was a second-place effort in the Ranvet Stakes (G1).

Off the strength of his first start of 2021, Palace Pier  has joined Addeybb and Eduardo in the co-fourth spot at 121. His seasonal debut came in the Bet365 Sandown Mile Stakes (G2), where he romped to victory by eight lengths. 

The top-rated American-trained horses are Mystic Guide  (122), Charlatan  (120), Life is Good  (120), and Monomoy Girl  (120).