Raging Torrent Leads NTRA Poll Ahead of Upcoming Stakes

Metropolitan Handicap (G1) winner Raging Torrent continues to lead the latest National Thoroughbred Racing Association's Top Thoroughbred Poll ahead of a star-studded renewal of the June 28 Stephen Foster Stakes (G1) at Churchill Downs, results from which are likely to impact next week's rankings. Though Raging Torrent is not in action Saturday—his next start is expected to come this summer in the Pat O'Brien Stakes (G2) at Del Mar—Mindframe (fourth in the rankings), and Hit Show (sixth) are set to compete in the Stephen Foster, battling Sierra Leone (12th), First Mission (15th), Skippylongstocking (18th), and Mystik Dan (20th). The Top Thoroughbred Poll, assembled with votes by national media, represents horses competing for Horse of the Year. The poll concludes on Tuesday, Nov. 4, days after the Breeders' Cup at Del Mar. Also in action Saturday at Churchill Downs is Thorpedo Anna, the reigning Horse of the Year and the seventh-ranked runner in the Top Thoroughbred Poll. Seeking to rebound from a seventh-place finish in the May 2 La Troienne Stakes (G1), she faces a short field in the Fleur de Lis Stakes (G2). Eight of the top 10-ranked horses in the poll are older horses, the exceptions being Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1) winner Sovereignty (second) and Preakness Stakes (G1) winner Journalism (fifth). The full poll and results by voter can be found online.