Similar to our three-year old rankings, below are our handicap-division, or older-horse rankings. These will be updated regularly, (but not weekly) as major races approach and occur that would cause the balance of power to tip. This assumes that we are racing at a flat nine furlongs on the dirt (or 1-1/8 miles). We use 9f since that is the best midpoint to consider "equal footing." Several of the most significant races are contested at 1-1/4 miles (the Breeders Cup, Big 'Cap among them), the Met Mile is at 1 mile, the Pegasus and the Saudi Cup at about 1-1/8 miles for the same reasons.
August 23, 2021
1
Mishriff
Big win in Saudi Cup stamped him best, took home the lion’s share of a $5 million in the Dubai Sheema. Another win at Ascot and in a win and your in race . . . my favorite for the BC Classic if he runs.
2
Knicks Go
Seems to have no distance limit with several strong re-break performances, but also has been an in and outer without excuse. Were it not for injury I’d have kept Mystic Guide second.
3
Maxfield
Has yet to beat the best of the best, but between a mile and 9f he’s lights out
4
Essential Quality
Maybe should be higher, and can prove it in the Travers. First 3 yo to crack the list.
5
Country Grammer
The first American-based older horse on the list that I think really craves 10f . . . I think we’ll see him bring it in the BC Classic and the 106 beyer plays.
6
Silver State
Winning streak was snapped, still solid but wants less than 10F in my mind
7
Hot Rod Charlie
Prefer this 3 yo at this point over others below
8
Letruska
The Mexican mystery horse has been awfully good all summer, and speed could be dangerous going longer
Mystic Guide and Monomoy Girl drop out with both having been sidelined. I’d rank them 2 and 9 overall. Tripoli’s run in the Pacific Classic puts him on the radar, and he’s an old watch horse for me, but I am not running to the windows to play against the crew above.
April 24, 2021
1
Mishriff
Big win in Saudi Cup stamped him best, took home the lion’s share of a $5 million in the Dubai Sheema. Dying to see him on U.S. soil
2.
Mystic Guide
Makes a big move up as he proved his form in Dubai, where he was much the best.
3
Monomoy Girl
Movedup off Bayakoa – Will she face the boys this year; Should have gotten by Letruska . . . could slide soon.
4
Maxfield
Valid excuses in Big Cap, ship, wide trip, next time is the time to have him
5
Knicks Go
Slips another spot, maybe a true miler
6
Charlatan
Hard to believe he’s only sixth, but wonder about true distance limitations
7
Silver State
Has won five straight, beat a respectable field in Arkansas
8
Express Train
He’s one of the ones, think he has a big win coming this summer.
Old favorites Tacitus and Code of Honor drop out; Idol stays off the list, on a break and pointing to the BC this fall. Monomoy Girl could have dropped as she probably should have gotten past Letruska. Outside of the top two, the others look like they will take turns beating each other this year.
March 30, 2021
1
Mishriff
Big win in Saudi Cup stamped him best, took home the lion’s share of a $5 million in the Dubai Sheema. Dying to see him on U.S. soil
2.
Mystic Guide
Makes a big move up as he proved his form in Dubai, where he was much the best.
3
Monomoy Girl
Moves up off Bayakoa – Will she face the boys this year
4
Maxfield
Valid excuses in Big Cap, ship, wide trip, next time is the time to have him
5
Knicks Go
Slips another spot, maybe a true miler
6
Charlatan
Hard to believe he’s only sixth, but wonder about true distance limitations
7
Code of Honor
Form tailing off a bit, but one of the ones
8
Tacitus
Cashes checks but doesn’t win
Express Train and Idol are just off the list for the moment, but you could throw a blanket over the them and the bottom two. Sliver State and Silver Prospector in strong contention.
March 4, 2021
1
Mishriff
Big win in Saudi Cup stamps him best
2
Charlatan
Didn’t want that last 16th of a mile
3
Monomoy Girl
Moves up off Bayakoa – Will she face the boys this year
4
Knicks Go
Slips a spot, maybe a true miler
5
Maxfield
Ceiling still high, we will see this weekend !
6
Mystic Guide*
Big Beyer (108) in the mud in Razorback, can he duplicate it
7
Code of Honor
Form tailing off a bit, but one of the ones
8
Tacitus
Cashes checks but doesn’t win
Mystic Guide moves in, By My Standards slips off … Read this week’s blog for more !
Others considered included Express Train, Happy Saver, NY TrafficKing Guillermo, Max Player, Sleepy Eyes Todd, Swiss Skydiver, Independence Hall . . . the class seems to get a bit shaky after the 4-hole.
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