Poet's Word the big winner in latest World's Best Racehorse Rankings

A new edition of the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings on Thursday saw Poet’s Word, recent winner of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) at Ascot, make a major move forward.

The 5-year-old trained by Sir Michael Stoute could visit the United States for the Breeders’ Cup later this year at Churchill Downs and will boast one of the world’s best ratings, with his victory assigned a 129.

That ties Gun Runner, the American Horse of the Year whose career finale came in the Pegasus World Cup, and is one point off the top figure earned this year by Australian super mare Winx.

As far as other Americans go, Triple Crown winner Justify’s Kentucky Derby is tied for seventh at a 124, the same number given to West Coast for his runner-up in the Pegasus World Cup. Of course, West Coast is eligible to improve his standing and give trainer Bob Baffert his fourth straight World’s Best Racehorse award.

American Pharoah (2015) won it before Arrogate (2016-2017).

While not in the Top 10, Good Magic improved his best number two points to 122 for his win in the Haskell Invitational, while Diversify’s front-running Whitney Stakes score resulted in a 120. Top sprinters Mind Your Biscuits and Imperial Hint also sit on 120.