Division rankings: 4-year-old flies under championship radar

The 3-year-old males may grab most of the headlines this weekend with Kentucky Derby and Belmont winner Sovereignty returning in the Grade 2 Jim Dandy at Saratoga, but my spotlight will be focused on the opposite coast, 3,000 miles away at Del Mar.

The anticipated return of highly regarded Nysos in the San Diego Handicap (G2) over 8 1/2 furlongs is a must-watch race for many reasons.

Del Mar: Early jockey rankings for summer meet.

Despite its Grade 2 status, the San Diego long has been a stage for star power. In recent years California Chrome, Arrogate and even Maximum Security all used the San Diego to prepare for late-summer and fall campaigns. A Del Mar staple for decades, the San Diego rarely disappoints, and this year is no different. 

Conspicuous from his absence in my older dirt male rankings below is Nysos. He has raced twice this year, both in sprints, which explains his lack of a ranking. But this weekend marks a major step toward his year-end goal, the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

So, can Nysos crash the Eclipse party with a late-season surge? I will try and answer that below.

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. As with 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 with his recent retirement he will drop. Stays here now because he is top three and top three here go on my ballot.

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.

Nysos exploded onto the national stage 19 months ago as a 2-year-old with a blowout win in the Bob Hope Stakes at Del Mar, leaving future Santa Anita Derby winner Stronghold in his wake. The performance was so dominant it launched him straight into Kentucky Derby futures, right behind Breeders’ Cup Juvenile champ Fierceness. 

After a dominant and fast Lewis Stakes (G3) win to open his 3-year-old campaign, Nysos soared to Kentucky Derby favoritism, boasting three wins by a combined 26 ¾ lengths. Sadly, that Lewis win was the last we saw of Nysos in 2024. A string of physical setbacks sidelined the son of Nyquist, and many wondered if we’d ever see him on the track again. 

When Nysos returned to the work tab last October, hope flickered. By February and March, steady drills had fans thinking of a comeback, but what version of Nysos would we see? Then came whispers of a return in the Churchill Downs Stakes (G1), a bold move. Ship cross-country for his first start in 15 months against a loaded field featuring Mindframe, Book’em Danno, and Mullikin. As if that wasn’t daunting enough, race day brought a sloppy track, uncharted territory for Nysos.

Count me among the skeptics. As they loaded into the gate, I braced for the worst. Nysos had every excuse to fold, but he didn’t. Instead, he dug in and delivered a remarkable performance given the circumstances, falling just a nose short to Mindframe. 

In one losing effort, Nysos proved more than in all three of his prior wins combined. That performance has only aged better: Mindframe, who had the benefit of a prep before Churchill, returned to take the Stephen Foster (G1), while Book’em Danno has rattled off two wins since, vaulting to the top of the sprint division. And yes, Nysos has run once since, crushing the field in the Triple Bend (G3) at Santa Anita. 

Now the page turns as Nysos stretches back out around two turns this weekend at Del Mar. Anything short of victory would be surprising, but the real question is how he wins, and how he handles the added ground. At 8.5 furlongs, this will be his longest race yet. If all goes to plan, the 10-furlong Pacific Classic looms in late August, and dare I say it, if Journalism shows up too, we could be staring at a fascinating showdown. 

Good news for Nysos fans: it’s not too late for him to make an Eclipse run. Fierceness has just a Grade 2 win this year, Sierra Leone is still winless, and while Mindframe holds the edge with a perfect 3-for-3 record and two Grade 1s, Nysos still controls his own destiny. Win this weekend, then add the Pacific Classic, and he’ll head to the Breeders’ Cup Classic not just as a top contender for the race, but for the older dirt male title, and maybe even Horse of the Year.

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. She is scheduled to run next in the Personal Ensign (G1) at Saratoga.

2. Leslie's Rose. Scored her first graded stakes win this season in the Shuvee (G2) at Saratoga. Was third earlier this season in the Vagrancy (G3).

3. Randomized. Ended a three race losing streak with a nice win in the Molly Pitcher (G3) over a good field. Was third earlier this season in the La Troienne (G1).

4. 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 continues to drop in the rankings. She’s expected to return at Del Mar.

5. 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.

Next five: Dazzling Move, Dorth Vader, Raging Sea, Power Squeeze, Royal Spa.

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. Runs this weekend in the Jim Dandy (G2) at Saratoga.

2. Journalism. Showed up again in a big grade 1 event and delivered, this time in the Haskell. His three top level scores this season are the most of any in this division. Likely to go next in the Pacific Classic at Del Mar.

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) this weekend at Saratoga.

4. 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.

5. Gosger. Would be a dual grade 1 winner if not for the heroics of Journalism. His last two starts, the Preakness and Haskell, have been solid runner-up finishes. Won the Lexington (G3) earlier this season.

Next 5: Sandman, Burnham Square, East Avenue, Coal Battle, Goal Oriented.

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. 

3. Scottish Lassie. Dont look now but this gal is very close to the top now after a dominating score in the CCA Oaks (G1). Previous to that she was third in the Acorn (G1). Will run next in the Alabama (G1).

4. 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.

5. 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.

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

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 scheduled to make his return in the Fourstardave (G1) at Saratoga next week. 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 last season came as a runner-up to More Than Looks in the Breeders’ Cup Mile. 

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

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. Book'em Danno. Keeps getting better with every start. Comes in off back-to-back wins, highlighted by a dominant Vanderbilt (G2) score over Mullikin and Nakatomi, which followed his True North (G2) victory over that same duo.

2. Raging Torrent. 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. Since retired, he stays ranked here for now.

3. 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.

4. 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.

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.