West Coast leads NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll; Unique Bella rises
Once again heading the NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll on Tuesday was Eclipse Award-winning Champion Three-Year-Old Male West Coast in the comprehensive ranking for horses 4 years old and up.
In his most recent start, the son of Flatter finished second to Gun Runner in the Pegasus World Cup Invitational at Gulfstream Park to appear the early classic division leader in 2018. The $10 million Dubai World Cup Invitational at Meydan Racecourse in the United Arab Emirates on March 31 is under consideration for West Coast, trainer Bob Baffert said.
Tampa Bay Stakes (G3) winner and Champion Turf Eclipse Award winner World Approval remained in second place for trainer Mark Casse and owner Charlotte Weber of Live Oak Plantation. The 6-year-old gelding will not be pointed next to the Dubai Turf on March 31 and will remain in the states.
Eclipse Award Champion Female Sprinter Unique Bella, who galloped in the Santa Maria Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita a week ago, moved upped from fifth to third this week. Trained by Hall of Famer Jerry Hollendorfer, she'll point to the Santa Margarita (G1) March 17.
Roy H and Forever Unbridled, also champions, rounded out the top five, with the recently retired Gun Runner, Gunnevera, Abel Tasman, Sharp Azteca and Beach Patrol also ranked.
The NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll concludes November 5 after the running of the Breeders’ Cup.