Division Rankings: Olympiad looks to pad his résumé

We made it. Three weeks removed from the Belmont Stakes and I can feel my Belmont hangover dissipating. You know what I mean, those first few weeks after Belmont day where we racing fans just want July to get here – fast.

With a bevy of major races that will bring out most major stars from all divisions, July will kick-start the second half of the racing season. The centerpiece of the Monmouth meet, the Grade 1 Haskell, is run on July 22, and the Saratoga meet on July 14 will run for 40 days with 77 stakes races scheduled. Toss in Del Mar out west and you get the picture.

This weekend Churchill Downs will end its spring meet with the top-ranked older dirt male, Olympiad, returning to the races in the Stephen Foster (G2). Olympiad has been perfect in four starts this season but strangely still hasn't gotten much respect outside of these rankings below.

Before I take a quick look at Olympiad and the another big name in action this weekend, Life Is Good, let's take a look at this week's Division Rankings.

As an added bonus, check out the Division Rankings Show below where we went over my mid-season awards.

Older dirt males

1. Olympiad. A winner in the Alysheba Stakes (G2) on Kentucky Derby weekend, this guy has quietly put together four wins in a row this season, three of which are graded. I put him here at the top because if the season ended today, he would have to be voted the Eclipse winner. Country Grammer hasn'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. The Stephen Foster this weekend will be a test as he will face Mandaloun.

2. Flightline. His Met Mile (G1) win was good, overcoming trouble and answering several questions such as shipping across the country and the added distance. He still has questions, and the field he beat was not what I would consider good, but here he sits near the top – mainly because the horses I feel will be better at the 10-furlong distance required to win an Eclipse in this division still haven't run much in this country in 2022. With only one start on the season, he needs to do more to unseat Olympiad. He will now sit for another three months and return in the 10-furlong Pacific Classic (G1) on Sept. 3.

3. 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 at Del Mar late this summer. Still, he hasn't run in this country yet this season, and that matters. Will run next in the San Diego (G2) on July 30 at Del Mar.

4. 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. He too will likely run in the San Diego.

5. Life Is Good. Returns to the races this weekend in the John A. Nerud (G2), and this is no walk in the park as Speaker's Corner will also be in the gate. In his last start, he looked mortal as he faded in the stretch at the 10-furlong distance of the Dubai World Cup. The seven furlongs of the Nerud this weekend should be more to his liking and a perfect setup for the nine-furlong Whitney (G1) in August.

Next 5: Hot Rod Charlie, Happy Saver, Speaker's Corner, Mandaloun, Stilleto Boy.

Older dirt females

1. Clairiere. Moves to the top based on her win last out in the Ogden Phipps (G1) over several ranked below. Previously she ran very well when runner-up to Letruska in the Apple Blossom (G1). Will run next at Saratoga, possibly in the Shuvee (G2) on July 24.

2. Malathaat. Has only a Grade 3 win on the season but she ran a big race in the Phipps, narrowly losing to her rival Clairiere. She too might run in the Shuvee.

3. Letruska. She was part of that hot pace in the Phipps, but so was Search Results and she finished third. While she wasn't pushed at all in the stretch, the result was disappointing. She has shown the ability to rate before so I am not sure why that tactic has been used, given the pace scenarios she has had in two of her last four starts. Still here near the top of this division, but is too one-dimensional right now.

4. Search Results. Considering the early fractions this gal set, she ran an outstanding race in the Phipps when finishing third. It's not a stretch to write that she might have run the best race of them all. The Molly Pitcher (G3) at Monmouth on July 23 could be next.

5. Ce Ce. Letruska and Clairiere were too much last out in the Apple Blossom. Will be back sprinting in her next start, which will come at Gulfstream this weekend in the Princess Rooney (G2).

Next 5: Private Mission, Pauline's Pearl, Shedaresthedevil, Blue Stripe, Bonny South.

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. Is penciled in for the Jim Dandy (G2) at Saratoga on July 30 for his next start.
2. Mo Donegal. Was superb in the Belmont as the facile winner. It wasn't the strongest of fields, but a win is a win. He moves ahead of the Preakness winner, whom he already defeated this season in the Wood Memorial (G2). He might train up to the Travers (G1), but if there is a prep it will come in the Jim Dandy (G2) at Saratoga.
3. 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 likely run next in the Jim Dandy.
4. 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. 4 here. Will likely run in the Haskell on July 23, with the Jim Dandy, run a week later, still in play as a backup plan.
5. Rich Strike. His win in the Kentucky Derby was the biggest upset I have ever seen at any level in this sport. Horses mature at different times and some more rapidly than others. The Kentucky Derby was his first start on dirt this season, and his Belmont run last time out was dull when he finished sixth, beaten 14 lengths. Still, I think this guy will make his presence known and is still in with an Eclipse chance in this division. Will train up to the Travers, his next start.
Next 5: Jack Christopher, Tawny Port, White Abarrio, Taiba, Simplification.
3-year-old females

1. Secret Oath. Ran her race in the Preakness but was only fourth best. In her prior start 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) on July 23 where she will be back against her fellow females. Is unbeaten in her division this season.
2. Nest. Ran well when runner-up to Mo Donegal in the Belmont, but I'm not sure what that means given the horses finishing behind her had been 2-for-15 in graded-stakes attempts. A clear second in this division now, though. The Alabama (G1) on Aug. 20 is her next major goal, but a race prior could be in the cards.

3. Echo Zulu. Was a gate scratch in the Acorn last time out and has since been found to have a strain in a left front suspensory. She previously had 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. On the shelf, for now.
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. Hasn't had a work in awhile and will drop in the coming weeks if she doesn't run.
5. Matareya. Four wins in four starts this season, three of which were graded. She was an easy winner of the Acorn last time out, but it was missing the favorite, Echo Zulu, who was a gate scratch. Will run next in the Test (G1) at Saratoga on Aug. 6.

Next 5: Under the Stars, Desert Dawn, Eda, Interstatedaydream, Gerrymander.

Turf males

1. 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. The only member of this division who has multiple Grade 1 wins on the season thus far. The Eddie Read (G2) at Del Mar on July 31 has been mentioned as his next start.

2. 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) and third in the Manhattan (G1), both at Belmont Park.

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. Hasn't had a work in awhile and will continue to drop in the coming weeks.

4. Golden Pal. The Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint winner from last season ran at Royal Ascot last time out and was slow to break. But let's be clear, he was well beaten and wasn't going to win even with a clean break. A disappointing effort. Before that effort he was dominant in his 2022 debut at Keeneland, a win in the Shakertown (G2).

5. Yibir. Last year's Breeders' Cup Turf winner has placed in all three of his starts, two Grade/Group 1 starts and a Group 2.

Next 5: Smooth Like Strait, Adhamo, Santin, Tribhuvan, Highland Chief.

Turf females

1. Regal Glory. Outstanding again in another Grade 1 event, this time in the Just a Game at Belmont. She started her season off with a win in the Pegasus Filly & Mare Turf (G3) and then won the Jenny Wiley (G1) at Keeneland over a strong field. Now 3-for-3 on the season, she will take on the boys in her next start, the Fourstardave (G1) at Saratoga on August 13.

2. Bleecker Street. Talk about a hot start to a career, his filly is unbeaten in seven career starts and already has won four graded stakes this year. Her last, the New York Stakes, was her first Grade 1 win. She will go for two Grade 1 wins in row in her next start, the Diana (G1) at Saratoga on July 16.

3. War Like Goddess. Won her 2022 debut impressively, picking off horses to win by open lengths in the Bewitch Stakes (G3). Kept out of the recent 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.

4. 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.

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. Will run next in the Yellow Ribbon (G2) on August 13 at Del Mar.

Next 5: Shantisara, Wakanaka, In Italian, Going to Vegas, Technical Analysis.

Male sprinters

1. Jackie's Warrior. Seems to be better now than ever before. His win in the True North (G2) last out was as easy as it gets. The Eclipse winner from last season was dominant in the Churchill Downs Stakes (G1) previously, where he defeated several ranked below. Before that he made short work of the Count Fleet Sprint (G3) at Oaklawn. Now 3-for-3 on the season, he will head to Saratoga for his next two starts, the Vanderbilt (G1) on July 30 and the Forego (G1) on Aug. 27.

2. Speaker's Corner. He was beaten in the Met Mile (G1) when third, but if he gets back to sprinting he could do some damage in this division. He is 3-for-4 on the season, with the Carter (G1) as his lone Grade 1 triumph. Gets back to business this weekend facing a tough customer in Life Is Good in the Nerud (G2) at Belmont Park.

3. Jack Christopher. This guy is only 3, but he deserves to be ranked here based off his sprint wins. He will stretch out for his next start in the Haskell, but don't be surprised to see him back sprinting after his first two-turn attempt. A real player in this division.

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 Speaker's Corner in the Carter at Aqueduct.

5. Golden Pal. Could contend for this Eclipse if he can right this ship after the Royal Ascot fiasco, but I doubt we see him run more than two more times this season.

Next 5: Dr. Schivel, Aloha West, Cezanne, Brickyard Ride, American Theorem.

Female sprinters

1. Obligatory. I am still keeping this gal on top after her stronger-than-it-looked runner-up effort to Bella Sofia last out in the Bed o' Roses (G2). That was a four-horse field with little pace. As a horse who likes to come off the pace, she was compromised. But in bigger races later this season there won't be four-horse fields with that pace scenario. Previously, she beat the best in this division except for Ce Ce in the Derby City Distaff (G1) at Churchill Downs with a strong closing kick.

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. Bella Sofia. Won the Bed o' Roses last time out going wire-to-wire. Before that she made her first start of the year in the Vagrancy (G3) a winning one.

4. 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.

5. 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. Will be back sprinting in her next start this weekend, the Princess Rooney at Gulfstream.

Next 5: Lady Rocket, Sconsin, Bell's the One, Four Graces, Kimari.

While most will have the once-raced Flightline ranked as their top older dirt male, I remain steadfast in my support of Olympiad. Really, it’s a very simple equation for me. Olympiad has run as many times this season as Flightline has run in his career – 4 times.

Olympiad started his season in January and hasn’t skipped a beat since. Unbeaten in his four starts, the last three have come in graded stakes. Given the fact that two major races – the Saudi Cup and Dubai World Cup – are overseas, Olympiad has run in the biggest races that this division has to offer east of the Mississippi. The pickings are slim stateside for this division in the first half of the season.

With an opportunity to bag another graded stakes win in the Stephen Foster this weekend, Olympiad will face a horse who most racing fans are familiar with, Mandaloun.

It’s interesting, in the ramp up to the Stephen Foster it is Mandaloun getting most of the headlines, and I’m not sure why. Olympiad has crossed the wire first in more graded-stakes races and, quite frankly, in 2022 at least, is the superior horse. Should Olympiad up his record to 5-for-5 this weekend, he will continue as the leader of this division and likely move on to the Whitney (G1) at Saratoga.

A horse he could meet in Saratoga in that aforementioned Whitney Is Life is Good. Life Is Good returns this weekend in the 7-furlong Nerud Stakes (G2) at Belmont Park. With the air of invincibility now gone because of his off-the-board finish in the 10-furlong Dubai World Cup, Life Is Good will try to get back in the win column. He faces a tough customer in Speaker's Corner this weekend, but still, I expect Life Is Good to roll and be a major player for the remainder of the season.

Look for Life Is Good and Olympiad to meet in Saratoga in what could be sort of a Eclipse semi-final type of race. Think about it – if both take care of business this weekend, they will be at the top of the division along with Flightline. With Flightline using the Pacific Classic as his final race prior to the Breeders’ Cup Classic, Olympiad and Life Is Good will battle in the Whitney in what could be their final prep prior to the Classic. The winner will face Flightline for the Eclipse, and likely for Horse of the Year.

I know those are a lot of “if’s,” but it’s always fun to speculate. Isn’t that what most fans and media alike love about this game?