Sierra Leone Tops Fierceness in NTRA 3-Year-Old Poll
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Photo: MATHEA KELLEY
Sierra Leone wins the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland
Not only did Sierra Leone 's impressive turn of foot propel him to the Blue Grass Stakes (G1) winner's circle, but also to the top of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's 3-year-old poll.
In the poll conducted by national media, Sierra Leone received 21 first-place votes, elevating him past Eclipse champion 2-year-old and Florida Derby (G1) winner Fierceness who received 11 first-place votes. Arkansas Derby (G1) winner Muth received one first-place vote.
Owned by Peter Brant, Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg, and Brook Smith, Sierra Leone is a perfect 2-for-2 at age 3, preceding his dominant Blue Grass win with a just as impressive victory in the Risen Star Stakes (G2) Feb. 24 at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.
Other big winners from the weekend found themselves in the Top 10. Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner Stronghold moved into fifth place while Wood Memorial (G2) winner Resilience ranks eighth. Blue Grass runner-up Just a Touch ranks ninth.
The overall Thoroughbred poll remained unchanged with Saudi Cup (G1) winner Senor Buscador remaining comfortably on top with 21 first-place votes. Interestingly, although neither made the top 10, Fierceness received three more points than Sierra Leone in the overall poll. It would appear the jury is still out on which colt will be the Kentucky Derby (G1) favorite May 4.
See the full NTRA Thoroughbred Poll for Week 11.