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| Staff Writer |
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National Treasure, fresh off his victory in the Gr.1 Metropolitan Handicap, has claimed a top spot among United States-bred and -raced horses in the latest Longines World's Best Racehorse rankings released on June 13. The Kentucky-bred son of Quality Road scored an impressive win in the Met Mile on June 8 at Saratoga Race Course, finishing 6 1/4 lengths ahead of his nearest competitor. This victory brings his record to 2-0-0 from three starts and $3,769,000 in earnings for the year.
Maintaining his rating of 121, National Treasure is now tied for fourth in the rankings, sharing this position with several notable horses, including fellow U.S.-based Kentucky-bred Senor Buscador.
Senor Buscador, who has not raced since his third-place finish in the Gr.1 Dubai World Cup , is back in training at the San Luis Rey Training Center in Southern California. His trainer, Todd Fincher, indicated that a potential target is the Gr.2 San Diego Handicap, with the ultimate goal being the Breeders' Cup Classic.
Leading the rankings are two Kentucky-breds, Laurel River and City of Troy.
Laurel River, holding the top spot with a rating of 128, secured his position through his victory in the Dubai World Cup and is recognised as the highest-rated dirt horse globally.
City of Troy made a notable leap into the rankings after winning the Gr.1 Epsom Derby , achieving a rating of 123 and tying with Rebel's Romance for the highest turf rating.
Half of the top eight rated horses are 6YOs, including Laurel River, Rebel's Romance, Romantic Warrior, and Senor Buscador.
Romantic Warrior improved his rating to 121 following his victory in the Gr.1 Yasuda Kinen. White Birch, rated 121, entered the rankings after winning the Gr.1 Tattersalls Gold Cup by three lengths over Auguste Rodin.
Another significant entrant in the rankings this month is Cogburn, tied for ninth with a rating of 120. Cogburn made his mark by winning the 5 1/2-furlong Gr.1 Jaipur Stakes with the fastest time ever recorded at that distance in North America, on both turf and dirt.
The latest Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings, covering races from January 1 to June 9, 2024, reflect the achievements of these top equine athletes:
Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings:
Laurel River (USA) - 128
City of Troy (USA) - 123
Rebel's Romance (IRE) - 123
National Treasure (USA) - 121
Notable Speech (GB) - 121
Romantic Warrior (IRE) - 121
Senor Buscador (USA) - 121
White Birch (GB) - 121
City of Troy earned his rating by winning the Gr.1 Betfred Derby, while Romantic Warrior and White Birch improved their standings through significant victories in Japan and Ireland, respectively.
The rankings also feature several newcomers, including I Wish I Win (NZ), Audience (GB), Danon Decile (JPN), Look de Vega (FR), and Luxembourg (IRE), each rated at 120 following their recent Group One victories.