As the racing world turns its attention and focus on the crop of Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) hopefuls putting in their final works and hunker down in these final days leading up to the Run for the Roses May 7, the results of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's top 3-year-old poll remain unchanged in the top 10 in Week 9.
Nyquist, last year's champion 2-year-old and winner of the Florida Derby (gr. I) April 2, remains in first place in the poll of experts. He received 33 first-place votes and 374 points overall.
In the top thoroughbred poll, the all-time leading money earner in the U.S., California Chrome , remains on top for the ninth straight week with (37 first-place votes, 379 points) after his smashing 3 3/4-length victory in the $10 million Dubai World Cup (UAE-I). 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.
Top 3-year-old poll
Ranking, horse (first-place votes), total votes, previous ranking
1. Nyquist (33), 374, 1
2. Exaggerator, 280, 2
3. Songbird (3), 246, 3
4. Gun Runner (1), 230, 4
5. Brody's Cause, 175, 6
6. Mohaymen, 173, 5
7. Creator, 133, 7
8. Mor Spirit, 127, 8
9. Destin (1), 101, 9
10. Outwork, 100, 10
Top Thoroughbred poll
Ranking, horse (first-place votes), total votes, previous ranking
1. California Chrome (37), 379, 1
2. Tepin, 311, 2
3. Beholder, 197, 4
4. Songbird (1), 177, 5
5. Effinex, 169, 6
6. Nyquist, 158, 3
7. Hoppertunity, 137, 7
8. Melatonin, 90, 8
9. Mshawish, 74, 9
10. Runhappy, 61, 10