Journalism Overtakes Sovereignty in NTRA Top 3YO Poll
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Photo: Mathea Kelley
Jockey Umberto Rispoli celebrates Journalism's victory in the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course
Following a dramatic stretch run in the $2 million Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico Race Course May 17, Journalism has reclaimed the top spot in the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's Top 3-Year-Old Poll.
The son of Curlin previously held the No. 1 spot in the rankings following his April 5 Santa Anita Derby (G1) victory but fell to second in the rankings after a runner-up finish to Sovereignty in the May 3 Kentucky Derby (G1). The connections of Sovereignty, who took over the top spot each of the past two weeks, bypassed the Preakness in favor of the June 7 Belmont Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course.
In Sovereignty's absence, Journalism put on an impressive show by overcoming traffic and nailing Lexington Stakes (G3) winner Gosger on the wire to win the Preakness by a half-length. That win earned Journalism 19 first-place votes from the national media that vote in the poll while Sovereignty earned 11. Journalism's lead over Sovereignty in the rankings is by just nine points.
Gosger's big performance saw him join the leaderboard in sixth place after ranking 21st the week prior. Preakness third-place finisher and Arkansas Derby (G1) winner Sandman improved from seventh to fifth.
In the top Thoroughbred poll, White Abarrio and Fierceness remained tied for the top spot for a second straight week. Meanwhile, Journalism and Sovereignty sit just outside the top 10 in 12th and 13th, respectively.