As could be expected, a pair of grade 1 Kentucky Derby (G1) preps March 29 caused a shake-up in the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's Top 3-Year-Old Poll as the winners of both races have entered the top four.
Despite not previously having a victory on the Derby trail, Sandman has been well respected by the national media that vote in the poll. His decisive breakthrough victory in the Arkansas Derby (G1) Saturday at Oaklawn Park for owners D. J. Stable, St. Elias Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds, and CJ Stables was just what the son of Tapit needed to firmly place himself among the top colts as he placed third in the April 1 rankings.
Not far behind the Mark Casse trainee in the standings is WinStar Farm, CHC, and Cold Press Racing's Tappan Street. The Into Mischief colt trained by Brad Cox ranks fourth on the poll; his Florida Derby (G1) victory impressed two voters enough to place him in their top spot.
Previously third-ranked Sovereignty appeared in fifth following his runner-up finish in the Florida Derby. Previously fourth-ranked Coal Battle held on to a top 10 position, eighth place, after finishing third in the Arkansas Derby.
Champion Citizen Bull has retained the top spot in all 10 weeks but faces a tough task April 5 as second-ranked Journalism is among his challengers in the Santa Anita Derby (G1).
In the Top Thoroughbred Poll, White Abarrio remained second behind Thorpedo Anna following his victory in the Ghostzapper Stakes (G3).
