Division rankings: Journalism plots to overtake Sovereignty

The second half of the season technically began the day after the Belmont Stakes, but seasoned fans know that the real restart comes on Haskell weekend at Monmouth Park. The Grade 1 race is the unofficial opening bell for the second half of the Thoroughbred racing season and in this case, it's where the 3-year-old Eclipse race heats up and the road to the Breeders’ Cup Classic comes into more focus. 

Since 1981, when it was still called the Monmouth Invitational Handicap, the Haskell has been a magnet for the division’s heavyweights, male and female alike, turning the Monmouth oval in New Jersey into major stop for the sophomores. 

A familiar and battle-tested name returns to the spotlight this weekend, Preakness winner Journalism. The only horse to compete in all three Triple Crown races, he enters the Haskell as the favorite after a six-week freshening. But this assignment is no layup, with Burnham Square, Preakness runner-up Gosger and the highly regarded Goal Oriented in the gate. 

A victory here wouldn’t just pad Journalism’s résumé, it would set the stage for something the sport hasn’t seen in a very long time. But before we get to that, here’s how the 3-year-old male rankings shape up heading into Haskell weekend.

3-year-old males

1. Sovereignty. This guy showed up for the Belmont Stakes and left no doubt who was best, handling yet another off track. The track condition for the Belmont was changed to good after the race, but to many observers it was still muddy. He holds the edge over Journalism at the season’s halfway mark, and these two clearly have separated themselves from the pack in this division. Here’s hoping we get the rematch everyone wants in the Travers (G1) or Breeders’ Cup Classic. Could run next week in the Jim Dandy (G2) at Saratoga.

2. Journalism. No real excuses in the Belmont. He ran well but was simply second best on the day. Back in action this weekend in the Haskell, where a win would setup another showdown with his rival Sovereignty. 

3. Baeza. Again was third best in a Triple Crown race, this time in the Belmont. He also headed back to California to regroup. Still in search of his first stakes win and will get his chance in the Jim Dandy (G2) next weekend at Saratoga.

4. Burnham Square. Ran a solid race in the Matt Winn (G3), just missing by a half-length to East Avenue at 8 1/2 furlongs. Of course, he already got the better of that rival going nine furlongs in the Blue Grass (G1). Next up is the Haskell, where the distance might tilt things back in his favor.

5. Magnitude. I’m bumping this guy all the way into the top five, even if his Iowa Derby comeback was basically a glorified allowance win. Before that, he romped in the Risen Star (G2) over a sloppy Fair Grounds track with an eye-popping figure. If you trust the numbers, he’s right there with the division’s top two. And as a confirmed front runner, he adds a new wrinkle to an already compelling group.

Next 5: Sandman, East Avenue, Tappan Street, Gosger, Coal Battle.

When it comes to 3-year-old rivalries that stretch beyond the Triple Crown and carry into the second half of the season, the gold standard this century is probably still Curlin vs. Street Sense in 2007. Even then, the supporting cast, Hard Spun and the filly Rags to Riches, who famously denied Curlin in the Belmont, added plenty of intrigue. But by the time the Breeders’ Cup rolled around, it was a two-horse race for divisional supremacy. Curlin won that final showdown, and with it, Horse of the Year honors. 

To find a rivalry that comes close to what we might be witnessing now with Journalism and Sovereignty, you have to go back to 1989 and the unforgettable duels between Sunday Silence and Easy Goer. Sunday Silence captured the Kentucky Derby and Preakness before finishing second to his rival Easy Goer in the Belmont, a reversal of roles after Easy Goer had been runner-up to Sunday Silence in the first two legs. They stood head and shoulders above the rest of their division and after the Belmont, they went their separate ways until a final collision in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, won by Sunday Silence. 

That’s the kind of drama we could be getting again. Through the first half of the season, Journalism and Sovereignty have emerged as the clear standouts in what has been, by modern standards, an unusually strong 3-year-old male division. The Triple Crown series was among the most compelling in recent years, and Journalism hasn’t missed a beat, competing in all three legs after opening his season with two wins in California. The problem is he has yet to defeat Sovereignty.

Journalism's Preakness triumph was unforgettable, but those runner-up finishes to Sovereignty in both the Derby and Belmont were gut punches for his backers. Still, this rivalry feels far from over. Sovereignty has had the upper hand so far, but as the second half unfolds, there’s a sense that Journalism isn’t done here. He might have the final word in the race for divisional supremacy. 

Next up for Journalism is the Haskell this weekend, and if all goes according to script, we could be headed for round three with Sovereignty in the Travers (G1). The last time the two winners of all three Triple Crown races squared off in the Travers? You have to go back to 1991, when Hansel and Strike the Gold both showed up only to be upstaged by Corporate Report in a Travers shocker.

Older dirt males

1. Mindframe. He kept his unbeaten 2025 campaign rolling with a popular win in the Stephen Foster (G1), planting his flag atop the older dirt male division for now. But he gives off strong Liam’s Map vibes, very good up to nine furlongs but unlikely to stretch his game to classic territory. Like Liam, don’t be shocked if his Breeders’ Cup destination is the Dirt Mile as the barn’s main classic ammo, Fierceness, aims for the Classic. Could meet his stablemate in the Whitney (G1) at Saratoga next time out.

2. Raging Torrent. He’s 2-for-2 this year, with a Dubai win in the Godolphin Mile (G2) and a Met Mile (G1) score where he knocked off the division’s previous top two. He's ranked second for now, but a Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile clash with Mindframe is looming. 

3. Fierceness. No excuses when runner-up in the Met Mile. We are halfway through the season and this guy has just one Grade 2 win. He likely will run next in the Whitney at Saratoga.

4. White Abarrio. He too had no excuses in the Met Mile, where he finished a distant fourth. He did win his previous two starts this season, a dominant Pegasus World Cup (G1) score and a confident win in the Ghostzapper (G3) at Gulfstream. Also will start next in the Whitney.

5. Sierra Leone. Showed up again with his run in a major race as he closed well to be runner-up to Mindframe in the Stephen Foster. Will be very dangerous when he gets back to 10 furlongs and the Breeders' Cup Classic. Will also run next in the Whitney at Saratoga.

Next five: Locked, Hit Show, First Mission, Most Wanted, Mystik Dan.

Older dirt females

1. Thorpedo Anna. Rebounded from her off-the-board finish in the La Troienne (G1) to score a facile win in the Fleur de Lis (G2) at Churchill Downs. Although her numbers are historically slow for a top-ranked member of this division, she continues to be the clear leader in the division, mostly because no one else has pieced together a résumé strong enough to challenge her.

2. Cavalieri. Undefeated and getting better with each start, but she’s skipping major races. No Apple Blossom (G1), no La Troienne and no Santa Margarita (G2). Championships aren’t won in the barn. If she keeps ghosting big races, she will drop in the rankings. She’s expected to return at Del Mar.

3. Richi. She steamrolled the Santa Maria (G2) at Santa Anita, opening up by more than four lengths and giving a nice boost to Cavalieri, who beat her the race before. This Chilean import has done nothing but impress since arriving stateside. She has five solid efforts since June, plus a Group 1 win at 10 furlongs back home. She’s got stamina, class and momentum. A serious player in this division.

4. Dorth Vader. Scored a surprise in in the Ogden Phipps (G1) last time out for her first top-level win. Before that she was off the board in the La Troienne. She runs this weekend in the Molly Pitcher (G3) at Monmouth.

5. Raging Sea. No shock she came up empty as the beaten favorite in the Ogden Phipps, settling for a distant third. Yes, she won the La Troienne in her seasonal debut. But from a speed-figure standpoint, that was one of the slowest Grade 1 wins we’ve ever seen from an older dirt female. This division is officially in disarray. She runs this weekend in the Shuvee (G2) at Saratoga.

Next five: Power Squeeze, Royal Spa, Gin Gin, Seismic Beauty, Dazzling Move.

3-year-old fillies

1. Good Cheer. She doesn't lose her spot here after one loss, as she had built up a sizable lead. Like Raging Sea in the Phipps, the loss by this gal in the Acorn (G1) wasn't that surprising given her numbers in previous starts. Will try to right the ship in her next start, the Alabama (G1) on Aug. 16.

2. La Cara. Dominant winner of the Acorn last time out, she now has two Grade 1 wins on the season after previously scoring in the Ashland at Keeneland. Will run next in the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) this weekend. A win there would vault her to the top of the division.

3. Nitrogen. This turf standout finally tasted defeat in the Belmont Oaks, finishing a close second and ending her five-race win streak. Her connections are pivoting back to dirt for the Alabama (G1) in August, a surface she tried earlier this season, romping by 17 lengths in the slop against a field of two.

4. Quietside. Didn’t look like she cared for the slop in the Kentucky Oaks (G1), fading to sixth. Before that, she delivered a gutsy win in the Fantasy (G2), outdueling Simply Joking in a thrilling stretch battle.

5. Tenma. Ran better than I expected in the Kentucky Oaks when attending a quick pace but faltering late to finish fourth. Previously she scored in the Santa Anita Oaks (G2).

Next five: Drexel Hill, Five G, Simply Joking, Muhimma, Immersive.

Turf males

1. Far Bridge. This guy validated why I have had him in this spot for weeks. He dominated the short field in the Bowling Green (G2), winning his third graded stakes this season. Gets the slight nod here over Spirit of St Louis because of his head-to-head win. Will run next in the Sword Dancer (G1), a race he won last year.

2. Spirit of St Louis. He’s made a habit of trading wins and losses. After finishing off the board in the Manhattan (G1), it was easy to forget he was the star of the Turf Classic (G1) on Derby day, a win that gave him two Grade 1 scores already this season. He's 2-for-4 on the season, and in his two losses he was off the board.

3. Deterministic. Scored a big win in the shortened Manhattan run at nine furlongs the day after the Belmont Stakes. The Manhattan was his first Grade 1 win. He is 2-for-3 on the season, previously scoring in the Fort Marcy (G2) at Aqueduct.

4. Integration. His Manhattan runner-up finish was his third in Grade 1 company this season.

5. Johannes. Back in training now, and I hope to see him back at the races soon. He won the San Gabriel (G2) in December, capping off a stellar 2024 campaign with five graded-stakes victories from six starts. His only loss came as a runner-up to More Than Looks in the Breeders’ Cup Mile. 

Next five: King of Gosford, Dashman, Formidable Man, Utah Beach, Mercante.

Turf females

1. She Feels Pretty. She doesn't dropped from this off of her narrow last-out loss to Excellent Truth in the Diana (G1). She was arguably the best in the race trip-wise as she ran about a length farther than her rival. Previously she scored in the New York Stakes (G1) at Saratoga. 

2. Excellent Truth. She finally broke through for her first Grade 1 win last time out in the Diana  after finishing runner-up in her last three attempts. The win, though impressive, isn't enough for me to push her above She Feels Pretty, who would prevail if the Eclipse vote were held today.

3. Be Your Best. An East Coast grass mare shipping west and romping in the Gamely (G1) is rare, but she made it look easy. Although she had prior experience over the Santa Anita turf, this marked her first Grade 1 win. Now 2-for-3 on the season, she kicked off the year with a win in the Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G2).

4. Dynamic Pricing. Was third in the Diana, over four lengths behind the top two ranked in this division. Before that she scored a win in the Just a Game for her first top-level score. 

5. Beach Bomb. Ran very well in the New York to be second best to She Feels Pretty. She scored wins earlier this season in the Orchid (G3) and The Very One (G3) at Gulfstream.

Next five: Kehoe Beach, Ag Bullet, Saffron Moon, Choisya, Bellezza.

Male sprinters

1. Raging Torrent. Like Mitole in 2019, he leads this division as well as being ranked in the older dirt male division. He scored his biggest career win in the Met Mile, defeating a small but solid field. His only loss in his last seven starts was last fall's Breeders' Cup Sprint. Will run next in the Pat O' Brien (G2) at Del Mar in August.

2. Straight No Chaser. The reigning Breeders’ Cup Sprint champion disappointed in Dubai, finishing eighth in the Golden Shaheen (G1). Before that he kicked off 2025 with a win in the Riyadh Dirt Sprint (G2) in Saudi Arabia. Targeting the Pat O'Brien (G2) at Del Mar in August for his next start.

3. Mindframe. I'm keeping him here because hie scored a Grade 1 win sprinting in the Churchill Downs Stakes (G1), so he’s earned his spot. Although I doubt we will see him sprinting again this season, there is a very good chance he will be back at a mile come Breeders' Cup time.

4. Book'em Danno. Suffered a brutal defeat, losing by two heads and a neck to finish fourth in the Churchill Downs Stakes just behind Mindframe and Nysos in early May. But then he came back last time out in the True North (G2) to defeat Mullikin and Nakatomi at Saratoga. Will face both those rivals again this weekend in the Vanderbilt (G2) at Saratoga.

5. Nysos. Scored a big win in the Triple Bend (G3) last out and before that was a close third sprinting in the Churchill Downs Stakes. Until he stretches back out, he is ranked in this division.

Next five: Mullikin, Booth, Big City Lights, Nakatomi, Patch Adams.

Female sprinters

1. Kopion. Despite her loss to Sweet Azteca in the Great Lady M (G2) last out, she still holds on to this top spot. Before this loss, she made a mockery of her 8-1 morning line in the Derby City Distaff (G1), storming home with authority. With Kopion, Sweet Azteca and Ways and Means all likely headed to the Breeders' Cup at Del Mar, this top-heavy division is shaping up to deliver one of the Breeders’ Cup’s marquee showdowns. Kopion is slated to run next in the Ballerina (G1) at Saratoga. 

2. Sweet Azteca. Scored a remarkable comeback win in the Great Lady M, where she defeated Kopion. This came nine months to the day after her last race, a stunning off-the-board finish at 1-9 odds in the four-horse Chillingworth (G3) at Santa Anita. Prior to that loss she had won three graded stakes in a row. Obviously a major player in this division when she is right.

3. Ways and Means. Absolutely dominated the Bed o' Roses (G2), drawing off by more than seven lengths and staking her claim as likely the top female sprinter on the East Coast. Before that, she was a solid third in the Derby City Distaff behind the top-ranked Kopion.

4. Two Sharp. Has made only one appearance this season but made it count, cruising to an easy win in the Winning Colors (G3) at Churchill Downs, taking down Hope Road and the rest with little trouble.

5. Nic's Style. This Florida-bred is 7-for-8 in her career, her only loss a runner-up to Ways and Means last year in the Gallant Bloom (G2). She won the Hurricane Bertie (G3) last out for her fourth win in a row. A serious player in this division.

Next five: Richi, Hope Road, Scylla, Vahva, Positano Sunset.