Forever Young Surges in NTRA Poll After Jockey Club Gold Cup Win
Forever Young has achieved a significant ascent in the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's (NTRA) top Thoroughbred poll, securing the second position after a compelling performance in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1). This Japanese-based contender notably received a greater number of first-place votes compared to the previously leading Sovereignty, thereby substantially reducing the point difference between the two in the Week 35 rankings. The shift highlights a dynamic change in the hierarchy of top racehorses, influenced by recent race outcomes and the ongoing assessment by national media.
The five-year-old horse, Forever Young, accumulated 13 out of 30 first-place votes, totaling 250 points in the latest NTRA poll. In contrast, Sovereignty, despite retaining the leading spot, saw its first-place votes decrease to 12 from 23 in the preceding week, finishing with 262 points. This outcome diminished Sovereignty's lead over the second-place horse from 33 points to a mere 12, signaling a considerable gain for Forever Young. The Japan-based thoroughbred's success in the Jockey Club Gold Cup, where it triumphed by three and a quarter lengths, played a crucial role in this shift. This race took place on the inaugural day of the revitalized Belmont Park. Ridden by Ryusei Sakai and trained by Yoshito Yahagi, Forever Young's victory marks its second win in three starts this year, following its success in the Saudi Cup (G1) in February. This win also secured the horse a guaranteed entry into the Breeders' Cup Classic, scheduled for October 31 at Keeneland, where it aims to defend its championship title. Meanwhile, Sovereignty, the reigning horse of the year, was unable to participate in the Jockey Club Gold Cup due to a foot abscess, though trainer Bill Mott confirmed the colt's good condition.
The updated rankings also saw other prominent horses adjust their positions. Knightsbridge moved from second to third place, securing two first-place votes and 237 points. Nitrogen experienced a slight drop, falling one spot to fourth with 187 points. Magnitude maintained its fifth position, garnering three first-place votes and 161 points. Englishman held steady at sixth place with 116 points. Notable Speech climbed to seventh place with 97 points, while Golden Tempo descended to eighth with 93. Deterministic and Splendora both retained their previous positions, ranking ninth and tenth with 89 and 64 points, respectively. The poll, which encompasses racing achievements up to September 20, is compiled through votes from national media and aims to identify contenders for the horse of the year title, concluding after the Breeders' Cup world championships on November 3.
This week's NTRA poll results underscore the evolving landscape of top-tier thoroughbred racing. Forever Young's impressive win and subsequent surge in the rankings highlight its growing stature in the sport, setting the stage for an exciting confrontation at the upcoming Breeders' Cup Classic. The narrowing margin between the top two contenders creates heightened anticipation for future races, as each horse vies for ultimate supremacy in the racing world.