An exciting day of racing March 1 caused significant stirs in the voting for the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's Top 3-Year-Old and Thoroughbred polls, released March 4.
Following a successful sophomore debut in the San Felipe Stakes (G2), Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Elayne Stables 5, and Robert LaPenta's Journalism received nine first-place votes for top 3-year-old from the national media who vote on the poll. The son of Curlin was elevated to second place on the list and sits just 15 points behind champion 2-year-old male Citizen Bull.
In the Santa Anita Park stretch, Journalism ran down the previously second-ranked Barnes for a 1 3/4-length win. The defeat dropped Barnes down to fifth place in the rankings. Godolphin homebred and Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) winner Sovereignty placed third in the rankings, while Rebel Stakes (G2) winner Coal Battle is now fourth.
Likewise, Locked's emphatic victory in the Santa Anita Handicap (G1), which he won by a record 8 1/2 lengths, earned him enough support to jump from fifth to second in the Top Thoroughbred Poll. The son of Gun Runner , who races for Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Walmac Farm, received seven first-place votes and sits just 13 points behind White Abarrio, who defeated him in the Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes (G1).
The 2024 Horse of the Year, Thorpedo Anna, now ranks third but is entered for her 4-year-old debut March 8 in the Azeri Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park.
