There was no change within the high three positions on this week’s Nationwide Thoroughbred Racing Affiliation Prime Thoroughbred Ballot as Korea Racing Authority’s 5-year-old Knicks Go retained his top ranking for the 12th consecutive week with 23 first place votes and 339 points. Knicks Go is expected to be sent off the favorite in the $6 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) Nov. 6 at Del Mar.
St. George Secure’s 5-year-old mare Letruska remained in second place in the poll with six first place votes and 313 points. Trained by Fausto Gutierrez, Letruska is a leading contender for the $2 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1).
Godolphin’s 3-year-old standout colt Essential Quality , who like Knicks Go is trained by 2020 Eclipse Award-winning trainer Brad Cox, remained in third place in this week’s poll with seven first place votes and 299 points. Essential Quality also is being pointed for the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
The lone change in this week’s poll saw Roadrunner Racing, William Strauss, Boat Racing, and Gainesway Stable’s Hot Rod Charlie , another leading Classic contender, jump one spot to fourth place in this week’s poll with 163 points. Kirk and Judy Robison’s Jackie’s Warrior , a leading contender for the $2 million Qatar Racing Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) fell to fifth place in the voting with 159 points.
NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll
Rank, Horse, Points (first-place votes)
1. Knicks Go 339 (23)
2. Letruska 313 (6)
3. Essential Quality 299 (7)
4. Hot Rod Charlie 163
5. Jackie’s Warrior 159
6. Gamine 130
7. Medina Spirit 122
8. Art Collector 92
9. Max Player 83
10. Domestic Spending 70
