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| Staff Writer |
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Economics, the rising star owned by Isa Salman Al Khalifa, surged into the top five of the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings following his impressive victory in the Gr.1Irish Champion Stakes on September 14. The latest ratings, released on October 10, see Economics now sharing the fifth position on a rating of 123 alongside the American standout Fierceness and Rebel's Romance, representing Godolphin. The trio’s accomplishments have reshuffled the global leaderboard as the 2023 season progresses.
Economics’ elevation from a rating of 121 to 123 comes off the back of a significant win against Auguste Rodin, the 2023 Gr. 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf champion. The Irish Champion Stakes, held at Leopardstown, is a proving ground for elite middle-distance runners, with previous winners like Golden Horn and Roaring Lion going on to further Group One successes across Europe. With his latest triumph, Economics has firmly positioned himself as a leading contender for year-end honours.
Fierceness, who captured the Gr.1 Travers Stakes at Saratoga, maintains his status as the top-rated American-trained horse. His record, which includes a decisive win in the Gr.2 Jim Dandy Stakes , solidifies his reputation, and he remains a formidable presence in any field. Meanwhile, Rebel's Romance, last year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf winner, continues to impress, having secured three Group One victories this season.
Among the newcomers in the rankings, Bluestocking—winner of the prestigious Gr.1Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp on October 6—has been awarded a rating of 122, placing her in a tie for eighth. Her performance in the Arc, Europe’s richest turf race, was a career-defining moment for the filly, who edged out top-class rivals in a thrilling finish. Past Arc winners such as Enable and Sottsass have historically made a significant impact on the global stage, and Bluestocking’s rise adds another layer of intrigue to the rankings.
Further down the list, a cluster of top American horses has solidified their positions. The recently retired Dornoch, whose notable wins include the Gr.1Belmont Stakes and the Gr.1 Haskell Stakes , features prominently with a rating of 121, sharing the 15th spot with six others. This group includes National Treasure, winner of the Gr.1Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes and the Gr.1 Metropolitan Handicap , as well as Senor Buscador, victorious in the Gr.1 Saudi Cup earlier in the year.
Notable among those tied at the 120 rating mark—representing the 22nd and final spot in this edition—is a diverse group of talent. Cogburn, winner of the Gr.1Jaipur Stakes, Master of The Seas, who took the Gr.1 Maker’s Mark Mile Stakes, and Gr.1 Kentucky DerbyV hero Mystik Dan are all present. Adding depth to the list are Sierra Leone, winner of the Gr.1 Blue Grass Stakes, and Thorpedo Anna, a four-time Grade One winner renowned for her consistency at the highest level.
With the next update scheduled for November 14, the rankings will be influenced heavily by performances at the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, set for November 1-2. Races such as the Gr.1Breeders’ Cup Classic , Gr.1Breeders’ Cup Mile , and Gr.1 Breeders’ Cup Turf are expected to attract a host of top-rated contenders, potentially reshaping the leaderboard once more.
The Breeders’ Cup has a history of crowning champions and providing thrilling finales to the season. Last year, Flightline closed out his unbeaten career with a dominating performance in the Classic, which earned him the title of the World’s Best Racehorse for 2022. This year, all eyes will be on whether Economics, Fierceness, or another emerging star can lay claim to the coveted accolade.