Division rankings: Sierra Leone wins, but critics remain

You’d think that after his Grade 1 Whitney win last weekend, the list of Sierra Leone doubters would be few and far between. But for whatever reason this horse still doesn’t get the respect he’s earned, and it’s been that way for over a year. Honestly, I don’t get it. 

When I put these rankings together each week, I do my best to stay objective. Sure, I have personal favorites. We all do. But truthfully, Sierra Leone wasn’t one of mine. That is not until last summer, when his bandwagon emptied faster than the odds plummet after the CAWs sneak in their wagers post-break.

Flashback: Sierra Leone wins thrilling Whitney.

Memories fade fast in this game, but this week I’m stepping in to defend Sierra Leone. We’ll look at the much-maligned colt, what his Whitney win really means in the bigger picture, and finally an exclusive sit-down interview from the notoriously tight-lipped Sierra Leone himself. 

But first, the updated older dirt male rankings, Sierra Leone makes his move up to No. 2.

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 surprised if his Breeders’ Cup road leads to the Dirt Mile, especially if he comes up short in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) this month. He also whiffed on a prime chance to widen his divisional lead when he scratched from the Whitney, leaving the stage to stablemate Fierceness, who promptly finished off the board.

2. Sierra Leone. He fired yet another bullet in a major, this time in the Whitney at Saratoga, toppling a strong field and launching himself right back into the Eclipse and horse-of-the-year conversation. He is the only horse in training with a real shot at going back to back in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, and yet somehow, the critics still chirp. Next stop, the Jockey Club Gold Cup, where a win over Mindframe would leave no doubt about who sits atop this division.

3. 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 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.

4. Nysos. With two wins from three starts this year, Nysos reminded everyone why the Baffert camp has been so high on him, cruising home last out in the San Diego (G2) at Del Mar. Next up, the 10-furlong Pacific Classic (G1) and a test to see if his brilliance can stretch the extra distance. If he passes that, he could crash the Breeders’ Cup Classic party come November.

5. Fierceness. No real excuses for his off-the-board finish in the Whitney, and you have to wonder if he’s the same horse since his surgery last December. He’s targeting a September return, likely in either the Woodward (G2) at Aqueduct or the Lukas Classic 9g20 at Churchill. With Fierceness, nothing would shock me. His calling card has been inconsistency, so don’t be surprised if he bounces back and wins next time out.

Next five: Highland Falls, White Abarrio, Locked, Hit Show, Most Wanted.

Heading into last year’s Kentucky Derby, the Sierra Leone bandwagon was standing-room only. After winning his first two starts at age 3 in impressive fashion, he was made the second choice in the run for the roses, and he nearly delivered, coming up a nose short to Mystik Dan in one of the most thrilling and controversial Derby stretch drives in recent memory. 

That runner-up effort only solidified his standing as the top 3-year-old male. But after a third-place finish as the favorite in the Belmont, followed by back-to-back defeats in the Jim Dandy (G2) and Travers (G1), both times again as the favorite, the support started to fade. His third-place Travers finish, behind Fierceness and the filly Thorpedo Anna, was the tipping point. The bandwagon emptied. 

Then came the Breeders’ Cup Classic. And Sierra Leone, forgotten by many, came flying late to win it all. That performance, coupled with his full season résumé, was enough to earn him the Eclipse award as champion 3-year-old male. Still, it’s fair to wonder. Had he won the Derby by a nose instead of losing it, would we be talking about 2024 horse of the year? 

His 2025 campaign started sluggishly with a third-place finish as the favorite in the New Orleans Classic (G2), but after a lengthy break he returned in the Stephen Foster with a sharp, runner-up finish behind Mindframe. Then came the Whitney and with it his first win of the season, a statement-making performance that reminded everyone he’s still very much a force in this division. 

With 12 career starts and never a finish worse than third, Sierra Leone has quietly built a reputation as one of the most consistent performers in the game. And yet, despite his accomplishments, the naysayers remain. 

This week, I decided to have a little fun with the division rankings, taking a lighthearted detour from the usual format.

What if Sierra Leone could talk? I figured, why not imagine what an interview with him might sound like. From the heartbreak of the Derby to last weekend’s Whitney win, and yes, even a glance ahead to the Breeders’ Cup in November. We let the big guy speak for himself. Humor, honesty and maybe a little attitude included. Here’s what an interview with racing’s most consistent closer might sound like. 

Let’s get to what the fans really want to know, what really happened in that Kentucky Derby? You lost by a nose, sure, but you spent the entire stretch lugging in and bouncing off Forever Young like it was a game of bumper cars. What was going on there? 

Look, I’ve watched the tape more times than I’d like to admit. What happened in the Derby? Let’s call it what it was. I ran like a talented horse with a strong closing kick and no steering wheel. I felt great turning for home, I was locked and loaded, but then the crowd, the noise, the madness at Churchill. It got to me a bit. I started leaning in, and Forever Young happened to be right there. I wasn’t trying to play bumper cars, but I got a little territorial about my lane. And yeah, I lost by a nose. Brutal. But I wasn’t tired, not even close. If that wire had been six inches farther, we’re not even having this conversation. Chalk it up to inexperience and a touch of immaturity. I’ve cleaned it up since. 

OK, fair enough. What about last summer at Saratoga? The losses to Fierceness in the Jim Dandy and the Travers? 

Ah yes, Saratoga last summer. The Jim Dandy and the Travers, two races I still think about when I walk by the paddock there. In the Jim Dandy, I did what I do best, made my run late. Fierceness got the jump on me, and I was flying late, but the wire came a touch too soon. A little farther and I’m on top. Again, story of my life back then. 

The Travers? Yeah, I hear that one a lot. “Why didn’t you go by those two?” Trust me, I asked myself the same thing trotting back. I had every shot, clean trip, but that race was a little slow early. By the time I got rolling, Fierceness was long gone, and even Thorpedo Anna, bless her heart, ran the race of her life. 

Was I flat? Maybe. Was the setup ideal? Not even close. But that day belonged to them. I took my lumps, learned a few things and quietly filed it away. You don’t get better ducking the best. 

Want to address the criticism claiming that you are too one-dimensional or always needs a pace collapse to win? 

Ah, the ol’ he’s-too-one-dimensional label, music to every closer’s ear, right? I get it. I’m not out there throwing down 46-and-change opening halves and daring anyone to catch me. That’s not my style. I like to settle, wait and then unleash. But just because I come from the clouds doesn’t mean I’m limited. It just means I’ve got gears most don’t. 

Do I need pace? It helps. So does running on dirt instead of quicksand. But here’s a little secret. When I’m right, and when the setup is fair, I can run past just about anyone. It’s not about being one-dimensional, it’s about knowing your weapon and using it. Mine just happens to hit hardest late. If that makes me a setup horse, fine. I’ll gladly let the early burners tire each other out. See you in the final furlong. 

You put it all together in last fall’s Breeders Cup Classic. Take me through that race and what you were thinking? 

It was bound to happen. I finally got the kind of race I’d been begging for all year, legit pace, clear path, no excuses. I sat off it cool as ice, didn’t waste an ounce of energy. No drifting, no drama, just waiting to flip the switch. And when I did? Game over. That far turn hit, I leveled off, ran straight and took what was mine. Breeders’ Cup Classic and Eclipse secured. 

Let’s talk about Fierceness, your biggest rival thus far, and the chatter that you’re not horse-of-the-year material. Got a response? 

Fierceness? Yeah, when he’s on, he’s electric, no denying that. But you never know which version is showing up. Me? I’m reliable. I punch the clock, run my race and come flying late no matter the setup. Even when things don’t go my way, I’m still in the fight. If consistency, grit and finishing the season like a pro still matter, and they should, then yeah, I’m absolutely horse-of the-year material. 

Even after your big Whitney win last week, some critics remain, what do you have to say to them?

Oh, the critics? Yeah, I hear them, always have. It’s wild, right? I hit the board every time I run, I’ve got a Breeders’ Cup Classic on my resume, just won the Whitney, and somehow there’s still doubt in the air. But here’s the thing. I don’t run for applause. I run for results. You don’t have to love my style, but by now, you should respect what I’ve done.

Lastly, you have a realistic shot to join Tiznow as the only repeat winners of the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Thoughts? 

I know what’s at stake, and I know the history. Tiznow’s the only one to pull it off, and his name’s etched in greatness because of it. To even be in that conversation? That’s the kind of thing you dream about when you're still figuring out which lead to switch to. 

But I’m not chasing legacies. I’m building mine. If I show up healthy, focused, and get anything close to a fair setup, I’ll give them everything I’ve got. Tiznow did it. Why not me? 

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. Seismic Beauty. Scored a nice win last out in the Clement Hirsch (G1) going wire-to-wire. Clearly the fastest horse in the division on paper in 2025, she will be a tough one to beat if she can stay healthy this fall. 

3. Kopion. I thought she ran a sneaky-good race when closing from last to finish second behind Seismic Beauty in the Clement L. Hirsch (G1). The added distance didn't bother her, and there’s no reason to think she can’t handle the nine furlongs of the Breeders’ Cup Distaff. Her connections now have a choice. Stretch out and take a swing at the Distaff, or cut back to sprints, where she’s already proven to be among the best.

4. 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).

5. 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).

Next five: Cavalieri, Richi, Dazzling Move, Dorth Vader, Raging Sea.

3-year-old males

1. Sovereignty. Took care of business in the Jim Dandy (G2) and will now head to the Travers, where another meeting with Journalism and Baeza is possible. The Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner holds all the cards in the division right now.

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 (G1) at Del Mar with the Travers still being considered.

3. Baeza. Ran his heart out in the Jim Dandy only to be second best, dropping a one-length decision to Sovereignty. Still in search of his first stakes win, but he is clearly in the top three of his division despite that fact. 

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) this season.

Next 5: Goal Oriented, Sandman, Burnham Square, Chunk of Gold, Coal Battle.

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, her loss in the Acorn (G1) wasn't very 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 (G1) last time out, she 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 Coaching Club American Oaks (G1). Before that she was third in the Acorn. 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 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) on Saturday, a race he won last year.

2. Deterministic. He’s rattled off three straight graded-stakes wins, including back to back Grade 1s. His latest was a dominant performance in the Fourstardave (G1) at Saratoga following a big score in the shortened nine-furlong Manhattan the day after the Belmont. He’s 3-for-4 on the year and very much trending in the right direction.

3. Integration. He’s probably ranked a bit too high here, but let’s be honest. The pickings are slim in this division. He’s been the runner-up in three Grade 1s this season and finally should break through in the Arlington Million on Saturday, a race that's a shadow of its former self and likely wearing the Grade 1 label for the last time.

4. Formidable Man. Winner of the Kilroe Mile (G1) this season, he scored again last out in the Eddie Read (G2) at Del Mar. His other two starts this year resulted in off the board finishes.

5. Spirit of St Louis. He’s picked up two Grade 1 wins this year, including a score in the Turf Classic (G1) on Derby day, but you wouldn’t know it from his recent form. He finished a dull eighth in the Fourstardave (G1), more than four lengths behind Deterministic, and was also nowhere to be found in the Manhattan (G1) before that. It’s easy to forget he looked like a turf star just a few months ago.

Next five: King of Gosford, Dashman, Redistricting, Zulu Kingdom, Intellect.

Turf females

1. She Feels Pretty. She doesn’t drop from this spot 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 (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 three prior 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. Reaches the top here 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 on Aug. 23 for his next start.

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

5. Nysos. Stretched last out in the San Diego (G2) to score another win. Probably won’t be sprinting again this season as he will stretch even more next out in the Pacific Classic (G1). Previously he scored in the Triple Bend (G3) and before that was a close third sprinting in the Churchill Downs Stakes. Stays in this spot for now.

Next five: Mullikin, Booth, Lovesick Blues, Big City Lights, Nakatomi.

Female sprinters

1. Kopion. Even after her loss to Sweet Azteca in the Great Lady M (G2), she holds onto the top spot for now. Prior to that, she blew past her 8-1 morning line in the Derby City Distaff (G1), powering home with authority. With Kopion, Sweet Azteca and Ways and Means all likely Del Mar-bound, this top-heavy division is setting the stage for one of the Breeders’ Cup’s most anticipated showdowns. Last out she ran a solid second in the Clement L. Hirsch at 8 1/2 furlongs, but a return to sprinting could still be in the cards.

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. Before 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 (G1) 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.