Three U.S.-Based Horses in World's Top Five

After a gutsy victory in the San Diego Handicap (gr. II), California Chrome   improved his rating from 126 to 128 and is the second-highest rated horse in the world in the sixth edition of the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings for 2016, behind Japanese-bred A Shin Hikari, winner of the Prix d'Ispahan (Fr-I) at Chantilly.

California Chrome is one of three U.S. horses with a top-five ranking, which includes all races from Jan. 1-Aug. 7.

In the San Diego, California Chrome made his first start since his 3 3/4-length victory in the Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline (UAE-I) in March. He is undefeated in four 2016 starts, with wins in the San Pasqual Stakes (gr. II) and Trans Gulf Electromechanical Trophy also to his credit.

BALAN: 'Chrome' Edges Dortmund in Del Mar Battle

In his first start of the year, multiple grade I winner Dortmund (122) finished just a half-length behind California Chrome in the San Diego. The two are slated to meet again Aug. 20 in the TVG Pacific Classic (gr. I).

That Saturday will be a busy one for top international horses, as Australia's star mare Winx (127) is set to make her spring debut in the Warwick Stakes (Aus-II).

Just behind Winx in the latest rankings is Frosted (126), who followed up his Mohegan Sun Metropolitan Handicap (gr. I) score with a victory in the Whitney Stakes (gr. I). Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Nyquist (124), is tied for fifth in the rankings.