Older Males
1. Game On Dude – He’s the top horse in this group, but beating Acclamation in the Pacific Classic won’t be easy. He was soundly defeated by him last year in that race.
2. Acclamation – If Acclamation does win the Pacific Classic, he’ll take over the top spot. He’s easily the number horse in the country on turf.
3. Ron the Greek – He has two grade one victories, and is extremely consistent. He’s not a world beater, but he can compete with anyone. Don’t forget, he holds a big victory over the Santa Anita strip, which is where the Breeders Cup will be held.
4. Fort Larned – He has without question proven now that he belongs in this spot. His Whitney win was very impressive.
5. Alternation – Returns to action this Saturday at Remington Park. Expecting a solid second half from him.
SLEEPER: Flat Out – He looks like a horse that’s getting his game back. When he’s at his best he can beat anyone on this list.
Older Females
1. Royal Delta – Easily the top horse in this division.
2. It’s Tricky – Can win at any distance they want to put her in. Her light schedule could have her fresh for a big finish.
3. Include Me Out – She’s the best female in California, and will have home advantage in the Breeders Cup
4. Tiz Miz Sue – Gave the top horse all she wanted in the Delaware Handicap. Can run with anyone when she gives you her best race.
5. Brushed by a Star – Fast rising horse has now won three in a row. Looks like she’ll meet up with Royal Delta next in the Personal Ensign
SLEEPER: Awesome Feather – She is so lightly raced, but has so much talent. Who knows when or where we’ll see her next.
3 Year Old Males
1. I’ll Have Another – Nobody will top him in this division.
2. Bodemesiter – Illness has set him back; could be passed if he doesn’t return.
3. Paynter – A win in the Travers puts him at the number two ranking. Really nice colt, and is improving with each race.
4. Union Rags – Done for the year, but his Belmont win is enough to keep him in the rankings.
5. Alpha – Nice comeback win in the Jim Dandy, and has a lot to gain with a good Travers showing.
SLEEPER: Street Life – His win in the Curlin was actually a faster number than Alpha’s Jim Dandy victory. His running style is one dimensional, but with a hot pace he can make some noise.
3 Year Old Females
1. Questing – The top spot has been a game of musical chairs, but Questing has earned it for this week.
2. Grace Hall – Her Delaware Oaks win was impressive; would really like to see her take on Questing
3. Believe You Can – The Kentucky Oaks winner flopped last time out; look for her to rebound.
4. Zo Impressive – Was beaten handily last time out; look for her to go back to one turn races.
5. Contested – Baffert claims she’s back on track. When on her game she could become the top horse in this group.
SLEEPER: My Miss Aurelia – She’s hardly a true sleeper! She returns to the races Wednesday, and could make major noise in this group if she’s 100% ready.
2 Year Old Males
1. Know More – Won a stakes in his first ever start. Ultra impressive.
2. Carried Interest – Has the best maiden win I’ve seen yet, which was over Palace Malice who returned to crush a maiden field at Saratoga
3. Fortify – Really impressive maiden win at the Spa, ran a faster time that Palace Malice did.
4. Palace Malice – Curlin’s first United States winner looks like a good one. Should get better with distance.
5. Shanghai Bobby – Has a stakes win to his credit, and won that race with a very fast time.
SLEEPER: Brown Almighty – He’s looked super in his first two starts, both of them being easy victories. He proven he can go a mile, but can he run well on dirt? I’m sure we’ll find out.
2 Year Old Females
1. Exectutiveprivilege – 2 for 2 and looking for a 3rd on Wednesday. Could be the best two-year old in the country.
2. Dreaming of Julia – Amazing maiden win for a horse that is bred to do it all.
3. Kauai Katie – Extremely fast maiden win at the Spa, runs in the Adirondack this Sunday.
4. Teen Pauline – Yet another fast maiden winner from the Spa.
5. So Many Ways – Won the Spa’s only two-year old stakes for fillies so far, but that race may have lacked the quality that has been in some of the these maiden races.
SLEEPER: Can’t Explain – Wouldn’t give up on this horse yet. She’s likely to get lost in the shuffle, but she has experience and hasn’t embarrassed herself in any of her races.
