Division Rankings: Belmont Day undercard again steals the show

Last week I wrote about the Met Mile (G1) and how in the last several years since the move from its traditional Memorial Day place on the calendar, it has flourished on the Belmont undercard.

The Ogden Phipps Stakes (G1) for older dirt females also was moved to the Belmont undercard in 2014. And like the Met Mile, the Phipps Stakes has flourished.

It's interesting, the Ogden Phipps drew only five entries – the same as the Met Mile – but one can’t help but come away with the belief that the quality of the Phipps field is heads and shoulders above the Met Mile, which is run two races later.

Before I take a look at what is most assuredly a race that will have serious Eclipse implications on the older dirt female division, let’s look at this week’s updated Division Rankings.

Older dirt males

1. Olympiad. A winner in the Alysheba Stakes (G2) on Derby weekend, this guy has quietly put together four wins in a row, three of which are graded. I put him at the top because if the season ended today, he would have to be voted the Eclipse winner. Country Grammer and Hot Rod Charlie haven't even run in the U.S. this year. While some of the others are still sidelined after races overseas, Olympiad figures to pad his resume even more in the coming months. With the Stephen Foster (G1) in a few weeks and/or the Whitney (G1) later this summer as his possible next starts, this guy can continue to pile wins onto his resume.

2. Country Grammer. Sensational in both of his starts overseas, he was a facile winner of the Dubai World Cup (G1). Before that, he was a close runner-up in the Saudi Cup (G1), his first start in nine months. The hope is to bring him back for the Pacific Classic (G1) at Del Mar late this summer. Still, he hasn't run in this country yet this season, and that matters. Could drop in the coming weeks.

3. Express Train. Ran one of his best career races in the Californian (G2), but he was beaten by Stilleto Boy. If anything, he gained more respect from me with that effort. Now 2-for-3 on the season, he is in the best form of his career.

4. Hot Rod Charlie. Struggling midway through the Dubai World Cup, he looked to be in serious trouble but gathered himself and ran a solid second on a day where he might not have been his best. If the Breeders' Cup Classic were held today, he would be the second betting choice. Likely to return in the Salvator Mile (G3) on June 18.

5. Life Is Good. A textbook example of a horse who, although very good at eight to nine furlongs, wasn't the same when stretching out to 10 furlongs. That was the fear here all along with this guy. He had a clear lead in the stretch of the Dubai World Cup but faded in the last 200 yards to finish fourth. Will get a prep before his next major goal, the Whitney in August at Saratoga.

Next 5: Speaker's Corner, Mandaloun, Warrant, Stilleto Boy, Happy Saver.

Older dirt females

1. Letruska. Repelled challenges from Ce Ce and Clairiere in the Apple Blossom (G1) but had enough in the tank to hold on for a 1 1/4-length win. The winner of both of her starts this season, she faces a small but tough field in the Phipps Stakes.

2. Clairiere. Ran very well when runner-up to Letruska. She looks to have upped her game from last season and is a real player now in this division. She takes on Letruska again in the Phipps.

3. Search Results. A grade 1 winner last year at age 3, she won the Ruffian (G2) at Belmont in her last start. She too is running in the Phipps.

4. Ce Ce. Letruska and Clairiere were too much last out in the Apple Blossom. Will be back sprinting in her next start.

5. Malathaat. Made her first start of the season in winning the Doubledogdare Stakes (G3) at Keeneland. I am still not convinced she can be the fastest in this division. Will face Letruska this weekend.

Next 5: Pauline's Pearl, Shedaresthedevil, Blue Stripe, Bonny South, Royal Flag.

3-year-old males

1. Epicenter. He was the 17th horse to finish second in the first two legs of the Triple Crown since 1937, and he stays here at No. 1 despite those runner-up efforts. Still feel he is best in this division after having questionable trips in those runner-up efforts.
2. Zandon. The Blue Grass Stakes (G1) winner ran very well in the Kentucky Derby, where he made a nice run from the back of the pack, but he did hang a bit in the stretch to finish third. Will run next in the Jim Dandy (G2) at Saratoga on July 30.
3. Rich Strike. His win in the Kentucky Derby was the biggest upset I have ever seen at any level in this sport. There are many factors that weigh into that statement, and while many believe this guy is a one-hit wonder, not so fast. Horses mature at different times and some more rapidly than others. The Kentucky Derby was his first start on dirt this season, and his connections made the bold decision to skip the Preakness and wait for the 1 1/2-mile Belmont Stakes. If he wins the Belmont this weekend, the Eclipse will be wrapped up, regardless of what happens in the remainder of the season.
4. Mo Donegal. The Wood Memorial (G2) winner ran well in the Derby but was 10 wide around the second turn before he made his late run to finish fifth, a neck back of Simplification in fourth. Will run in this weekend's Belmont and likely will go off as the favorite. He was flattered by Early Voting's Preakness win as he defeated that one in the Wood.
5. Early Voting. Certainly looked good winning the Preakness with a perfect trip, but he loses points in these rankings for skipping the Kentucky Derby after having been runner-up in the Wood to Mo Donegal. Others will have him ranked higher, but he won't be ranked higher than No. 5 here. Will likely run in the Haskell (G1) on July 23.
Next 5: White Abarrio, Taiba, Jack Christopher, Simplification, Messier.
3-year-old females

1. Secret Oath. Ran her race in the Preakness but was only fourth best. Prior she was certainly was much the best in the Kentucky Oaks, coming with a powerful run to circle horses on the turn. Before that she was third against the boys in the Arkansas Derby (G1). Will now rest and wait for the CCA Oaks (G1), where she will be back against her fellow females.
2. Echo Zulu. She gained much respect with her solid run in the Kentucky Oaks, where she conceded the early lead to a long shot while attending solid early fractions only to begrudgingly give way at the end to finish fourth, beaten a length for the runner-up spot. She will be very tough this weekend in the Acorn (G1).
3. Nest. Somewhat of an underlay in the Kentucky Oaks, she had no excuses in her runner-up finish. Connections will now try the Belmont against the males this weekend – an ambitious spot, to say the least. She was handled quite easily by Secret Oath, who has been off the board in two starts against the boys.

4. Kathleen O. Suffered her first loss when fifth in the Kentucky Oaks, but she hardly disgraced herself. She was beaten only fourth lengths for all the marbles.
5. Desert Dawn. The Santa Anita Oaks (G1) winner came to run in the Kentucky Oaks and finished well to be third to the winner, Secret Oath.

Next 5: Eda, Interstatedaydream, Adare Manor, Matareya, Juju's Map.

Turf males

1. Golden Pal. Finally reaches this top spot, and it's deserved. Was dominant in his 2022 debut last out at Keeneland, a win in the Shakertown (G2). The Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint winner from last season will run on Tuesday at Royal Ascot in the King's Stand Stakes (G1)

2. Count Again. This guy has racked up two Grade 1 wins already this season and is now 3-for-4 on the year. His win over Smooth Like Strait in the Shoemaker Mile (G1) was his best effort yet.

3. Colonel Liam. He found the waters a bit too deep in the Dubai Turf (G1), where he finished ninth. Previously he ran huge in defending his Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1) and seemed better than ever despite his long layoff. There is a wide gap between grass horses in this country and overseas – and not for the better.

4. Gufo. Started his 2022 season off right with a facile two-length win in the Pan American (G2) at Gulfstream but then finished runner-up in the Man O' War Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park. Will try to get back in the win column in this weekend's Manhattan (G1) at Belmont Park.

5. Santin. Lightly raced, this 4-year-old won his first Grade 1 in his sixth career start. The Turf Classic (G1) win at Churchill Downs comes after a runner-up effort in a Grade 2 at Fair Grounds. Will try to take another step up the ladder here in this weekend's Manhattan (G1).

Next 5: Smooth Like Strait, Yibir, Shirl's Speight, Channel Maker, Mira Mission.

Turf females

1. Regal Glory. Has to move to No. 1 based on her season thus far, a win in the Pegasus Filly & Mare Turf (G3) and her last win in the Jenny Wiley (G1) at Keeneland over a strong field. Will try to add another Grade 1 win this weekend in the Just a Game at Belmont, facing several ranked below.

2. War Like Goddess. Won her 2022 debut impressively, picking off horses to win by open lengths in the Bewitch Stakes (G3). Kept out of Friday's New York Stakes (G1) at Belmont because of a minor physical problem, look for this gal to return at Saratoga, where she could run against males in the Sword Dancer (G1), a 1 1/2-mile race on Aug. 27.

3. Ocean Road. Won her first graded stakes in her last start, a win in the Gamely (G1) over Going Global at Santa Anita. She is now 2-for-2 on the season.

4. Bleecker Street. This filly is unbeaten in six starts and already has won three graded stakes this year. Last time out she won the Modesty (G3) at Churchill Downs on Derby weekend. Will try for her first Grade 1 Friday in the New York Stakes at Belmont Park.

5. Going Global. Had no excuses last time out when third to Ocean Road in the Gamely (G1) at Santa Anita, but since that was her first loss in a grass race since last July she stays here in the top five. Previously she made her 2022 debut with a win in the Royal Heroine (G2) at Santa Anita.

Next 5: Shantisara, Speak of the Devil, Rougir, In Italian, Going to Vegas.

Male sprinters

1. Jackie's Warrior. The Eclipse winner from last season was dominant in the Churchill Downs Stakes (G1), where he defeated several ranked below. Before that he made short work of the Count Fleet Sprint (G3) at Oaklawn. Now 2-for-2 on the season, his connections entered him to run in the True North (G2) Friday, where he likely will be the 1-5 favorite. The truth of the matter is that he belongs in the Met Mile on Saturday, but his connections chose the easier route.

2. Golden Pal. Could contend for this Eclipse if he keeps things going. Simply dominant as turf sprinter, he runs on Tuesday at Royal Ascot in the King's Stand (G1).

3. Speaker's Corner. Has won all three of his starts this season, with the Carter (G1) his latest win. Will take on Flightline in the Met Mile on Saturday.

4. Reinvestment Risk. Runner-up to Jackie's Warrior three times in his career, the latest being the Churchill Downs Stakes last time out. Before that he was runner-up to Speakers Corner in the Carter at Aqueduct.

5. Dr. Schivel. Ran a good third in Dubai in the Golden Shaheen (G1) in his first start of 2022. Previously he disappointed in the Malibu (G1), but given what he did in 2021, he deserves this spot for now. Will return in late July at Del Mar.

Next 5: Aloha West, Cezanne, Special Reserve, Brickyard Ride, American Theorem.

Female sprinters

1. Obligatory. She beat the best in this division except for Ce Ce last out in the Derby City Distaff (G1) at Churchill Downs with a strong closing kick. Now 2-for-2 on the season, she has found a home sprinting. She gets no respect as the third choice in a four-horse Bed o' Roses (G2) field Friday, but make no mistake, she is the leader of the division for now.

2. Just One Time. The beaten favorite in the Derby City, she finished third with no excuses. Previously this season she won the Madison (G1) at Keeneland and the Inside Information (G2) at Gulfstream.

3. Edgeway. Ran the worst race of her 12-race career last out in the Derby City Distaff, finishing sixth, beaten over seven lengths. Before that she won the Las Flores (G3) at Santa Anita.

4. Ce Ce. Last season's Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint winner was beaten by Merneith in her first start of 2022, the Santa Monica (G2) at Santa Anita. Two starts back she stretched out to win the Azeri (G2) at 1 1/16 miles but failed against Letruska in the Apple Blossom at that same distance.

5. Bell's the One. Ran her race in the Derby City but finished a neck out of third. She was a good runner-up in the Madison (G1) before that and is still among the best in this division.

Next 5: Bella Sofia, Four Graces, Kimari, Glass Ceiling, Frank's Rockette.

Rarely in racing do we see multiple Grade 1 events on one racing card, but on Saturday at Belmont Park we will something even more rare. In fact, it’s never happened before – a quartet of Grade 1 stakes with only five entries each on the same racing card.

Although some may come away disappointed with the scarcity of entries, the quality of the fields can’t be debated.

The standout race of this quartet is clearly the Ogden Phipps Stakes, which has the winners of 22 graded stakes combined and features two Eclipse Award winners in Letruska and Malathaat.

For the No. 1 ranked Letruska, she returns to Belmont Park where she will try to make it back-to-back Phipps wins. A winner of four Grade 1 events in 2021, Letruska hasn’t shown any sign of regression in 2022, having won both of her starts by daylight. She is the solid 6-5 favorite, and another win will elevate Letruska closer to not only another Eclipse, but also the Hall of Fame.

With 10 graded-stakes wins in this country, Letruska has put together a gaudy record rarely seen in racing nowadays. She has made 25 starts and has 19 wins. Starting her career in Mexico City at Hipodromo De Las Americas, Letruska’s story is well documented, and she is the queen of Thoroughbred racing on this continent.

Where there is a queen there has to be a princess, right? The princess of dirt racing on this continent would have to be Malathaat.

The winner of the Eclipse last season as the nation's outstanding 3-year-old filly, Malathaat’s signature win was the Kentucky Oaks. A winner of three Grade 1 events last season, all against her own division, Malathaat has made only one start this season, a win in the Doubledogdare (G3) at Keeneland in April.

For all that Malathaat has done, I think there is more she can prove. Last season she didn’t face older until the Breeders’ Cup, where she closed to finish third after being well off of a record suicidal pace that Letruska was a part of. Ranked No. 5 right now, she hasn’t done enough in 2022 to merit being any higher. That could change on Saturday, but Malathaat will have to run faster than she ever has to win the Ogden Phipps.

Clairiere was a Grade 1 winner at age 3 last season and finished behind Malathaat four times. Clairiere looks like she has taken a step forward in 2022. She has run twice this season, winning her first start and then finishing runner-up to Letruska in the Apple Blossom. Ranked No. 2, she is a win contender if Letruska isn’t at her best on Saturday.

What about the No. 3 ranked Search Results? The Chad Brown trainee nearly beat Malathaat in last year’s Kentucky Oaks, finishing a close runner-up, beaten just a neck. She too was a Grade 1 winner last year at age 3, but physical problems cut her season short. Now back in top form, she won the Ruffian (G2) at Belmont in her last start.

Rounding out the field is Bonny South, who is Grade 1-placed four times. Like Malathaat, she made her first start of 2022 in the Doubledogdare, finishing runner-up, beaten just 3/4 of a length.

Of all the races on Saturday, this Ogden Phipps is the one many fans are looking forward to the most. Four of the five top-ranked older dirt females are set to clash in a race that certainly will play a big part in deciding the Eclipse later this season.