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| Staff Writer |
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The stretch battle that thrilled racing fans in Riyadh last month has translated to the pinnacle of global ratings, with Forever Young claiming top spot in the first edition of the 2025 Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings.
The Japanese star, trained by Yoshito Yahagi, has been awarded a mark of 128 following his neck victory over Hong Kong sensation Romantic Warrior in the Gr.1 Saudi Cup on February 22. The Danny Shum-trained Romantic Warrior sits just a pound behind on 127, cementing the pair's status as the world's premier performers in the early months of 2025.
In joint-third position with ratings of 124 are Hong Kong grass sprint specialist Ka Yin Rising and US star White Abarrio. The latter, handled by Saffie Joseph Jr, claimed his lofty position courtesy of his victory in the Gr.1 Pegasus World Cup Invitational.
Locked occupies fifth place with a mark of 123 following his runaway success in the Gr.1 Santa Anita Handicap. The Todd Pletcher-trained runner had previously filled the runner-up spot behind White Abarrio in Pegasus.
Two other US-trained horses feature in the rankings, with both rated at 117 in a cluster of horses tied for 10th place. Journalism, winner of the Gr.2 San Felipe Stakes, is notable as the only 3YO to make the initial 2025 rankings. The Bob Baffert-trained colt is being pointed towards the Gr.1 Santa Anita Derby and subsequently the Gr.1 Kentucky Derby.
Joining him on 117 is reigning champion male sprinter Straight No Chaser, who earned his rating with victory in the Gr.2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint.
The latest rankings, covering global racing action from January 1 to March 9, are compiled by the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings Committee and published by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities.