A relatively quiet weekend in stakes competition, at least compared with the weeks ahead, led to little change in the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's Top Thoroughbred and 3-Year-Old Polls released March 17.
One key change came in the return of Incredibolt to the 3-Year-Old Poll's Top 10 after his 4-length victory in the Virginia Derby March 14 at Colonial Downs. The Pin Oak Stud-owned and Riley Mott-trained runner ranks 10th.
This is the second time the son of Bolt d'Oro has ranked in the 10th spot, having appeared there in the year's first rankings released Jan. 26. Five days later he ran a disappointing last in the Holy Bull Stakes (G3) on a Gulfstream Park surface that connections said he didn't care for. Incredibolt still maintained some support from the national media who vote on the poll during the following weeks and entered the Virginia Derby ranked 21st.
The final round of Kentucky Derby (G1) qualifiers that offer 100 points to the winner begins March 21 with the Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots and the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) at Turfway Park. None of the horses currently in the top 10 are entered in those races, but 13th-ranked Golden Tempo appears to be one of the leading contenders in the Louisiana Derby. He will be facing 24th-ranked Chip Honcho and 26th-ranked Pavlovian.
Bella Ballerina, the top rated filly in the 3-year-old poll at 16th, is expected to be the favorite in the Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) March 21.
