Horse Racing Division Rankings 06/12/23: Cody’s Wish Early Leader; Several Belmont Stakes Festival Winners Listed

Welcome to the 2023 Divisional Rankings! Each week, we rank the best thoroughbred horses in America based on their divisions. The initial list is topped with horses who competed at Belmont Park during the Belmont Stakes Festival, but how do their efforts and resumes compare? Tell us YOUR thoughts in the Comments section!

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Overall Rankings

Here are my overall rankings as seen in the latest NTRA Top 10 Poll this week. The poll ranks the top thoroughbred horses based on if Horse of the Year voting was conducted at this very moment. Here’s what my last Top 10 poll looked like:

1. Cody’s Wish
2. Elite Power
3. Up to the Mark
4. Clairiere
5. In Italian
6. Proxy
7. Caravel
8. Smile Happy
9. Art Collector
10. Defunded

Older Males

1. Cody’s Wish – His story is amazing and a huge bright spot for racing. He just keeps winning and getting better with each start.

2. Up to the Mark – This is one of the best turf horses in the world right now after back to back dominant victories.

3. Proxy – He keeps getting better with age and might finally be putting it all together.

4. Smile Happy – This one has alway shown a ton of ability and might be ready for a big time summer.

5. Art Collector – He won the Pegasus World Cup (G1) to kick off his season; however, he hasn’t been able to reach that level since.

Sleeper: Defunded – He has been sharp in all of his race, including back to back wins at Santa Anita.

Older Females

1. Clairiere – She stands out amongst the dirt females as we head into the summer.

2. In Italian – This one has turned into an absolute monster on the turf.

3. Caravel – She has always had the talent; however, now she has developed consistency. She’s beaten the boys twice this season.

4. Goodnight Olive – Her winning streak is over; however, she is still the top female sprinter in the division.

5. Echo Zulu – She could have a huge year if she stays healthy.

Sleeper: Nest – We haven’t seen her yet this year, but she could have a huge summer and make a splash in this division.

3-Year-Old Males

1. Forte – It’s hard to rank this division right now, but Forte is the tentative leader as we head into a fun summer.

2. Mage – The Kentucky Derby (G1) winner can easily rise to #1 in this division if he can pick up another big win.

3. Arcangelo – His rise to stardom has been ultra-impressive, culminating in a win in the Belmont Stakes (G1).

4. National Treasure – His win in the Preakness Stakes (G1) was huge; however, he still has some proving to do.

5. Two Phil’s – We’ll see if he can build on a big Kentucky Derby (G1) effort in the big summer races.

Sleeper: Arabian Lion – This might be the best horse in the crop; however, he still has to prove he can beat big time horses around two turns.

3-Year-Old Females

1. Pretty Mischievous – She is way ahead of the rest after back to back Grade 1 victories.

2. Wet Paint – She was much the best heading into the Kentucky Oaks (G1) but did not run her best race there.

3. Red Carpet Ready – She looks to be the top 3-year-old sprinter as of right now.

4. Taxed – Her Black-Eyed Susan (G2) victory lands her in this spot.

5. Faiza – She should bounce back and have a big summer in Southern California

Sleeper: Gambling Girl – She ran well to finish second in the Kentucky Oaks (G2).

Sprinters

1. Elite Power – He is head and shoulders above anyone in this division heading into the summer.

2. Skelly – This one is developing nicely for Asmussen.

3. Gunite – He is a star in his own right; however, he was no match for our top horse last time they met.

4. Straight No Chaser – He was sensational at Pimlico; however, he has been sidelined with an injury.

5. Spirit of Makena – He’s won 3 in a row with ease at Santa Anita Park.

Sleeper: Drew’s Gold – As far as a pure sprinter goes, he might be the best in the 3-year-old division.