Aug 2, 2016 12:28:08 GMT -5
S u N f r O s T ~, Cruisey, and 1 more like this
Post by Ripley on Aug 2, 2016 12:28:08 GMT -5
MID-SEASON HOTY RANKINGSBY RIPLEY
Year Sixteen has been an incredibly challenging year for new and old members alike. Dominance is not as easy to come by as it was in previous years. Some stables are rising to meet the challenge more through luck of the draw than going out and winning every single race as has been the case in past years. We’ve seen a rise in competition that had otherwise not existed. Every stable is putting out quality horses where even create studs such as upstart Wannabe Hero can be as valuable as the best of the blue bloods in the racing world.
The competitive fires are burning hotter than ever and in the day to day racing it is not always clear who is at the top of the division. Some divisions are so on fire right now that mere nitpicking separates them. It has taken five days, but I believe I have come up with something close enough to true rankings of our SIM runners.
For those of you who aren’t quite up to my level of stalker material… this is a gift LOL!
Everyone else, Enjoy!
Dirt Distance Older Males:
1. Speak Easy: Excellent start to his four year old season with six HOTY victories. He’s beaten everyone in this division once already and, for the moment, can be considered the reigning king.
2. Saintly Touch: This son of Night Stalker is not far behind with five HOTY victories himself. Potent at 8+9 furlongs, Saint has found himself a niche spot that only his trainer envisioned going into this year.
3. Ultimate Revenge: Nemesis of the top two has found his running game again with three victories in his last three starts. The sleeping giant has awoken.
4. Sun King: A winner of sprints to classic distances, Sun King is making himself into a versatile dirt horse. Lost last out to Speak Easy, but he’ll likely improve thanks to his tactical speed.
5. Vagabond: BBS’s dirt arsenal continues. Vagabond is likely going to give BBS a horse for the longer distances of 11-12 furlongs. A useful horse for bettors and one on the improve.
6. Devil’s Flair: SOPS has been keeping him on the down-low, but his record at 10F is undeniable. If he can step back up into HOTY class, he’s dangerous.
7. Passionate God: He made a good jump in the Starry Night Stakes against #1 and #3. Will need better to win, but his connections have always thought him a talented horse.
Ones To Watch: Baciami, Secret Success, Fleet Street, Palisades Pirate, Radiation Therapy.
Dirt Distance Older Females:
1. Shenanigans: Winner of two encouragement awards doesn’t need any more encouragement. She’s matured into a force of nature this season. Has won 6 HOTY races to date.
2. Calypso’s Fury: Beat stablemate last out in the Las Vegas Derby. Has run 2nd and 3rd to Shenanigans on multiple occasions, but when she escapes her, she’s terrific.
3. Meritorious: The chestnut mare packs a powerful punch for IRS in dirt distaff division. Like #2, when she escapes the top mare, she’s lethal.
4. Pandora (early season): Solid on dirt with three HOTY wins this year on the surface, but feeling is that she’s just simply better on the surface she became a champion on.
5. Reflected In Water: Has lost a little form at the age of five, but still tough as nails and as admirable as ever.
6. Wild Determination: If #5 weakens, this one could step up even further. Unsure where her connections are ultimately pointing her toward, but the dirt distaff division is more stacked at the top than the turf at the moment.
Ones To Watch: Heart Of Rio, Barely A Sound.
Turf Distance Older Males:
1. Take Flight: Holds the advantage over Spotlight Pride beyond eleven furlongs and is finally living up to the high expectations his connections had for him at three.
2. Spotlight Pride: Those clamoring for a Pride-Cyclonaria matchup shouldn’t hold their breath. According to BBS, the chestnut has his eyes on the big prize of the Breeders’ Cup Turf.
3. Call of The Wild: Firestone Racing has worked their magic and this stallion has run to huge wins in the Eclipse and Marlboro Cup, making the top of this division even tougher than it was.
4. Refute: Another Firestone Racing rep, he’s been steadily climbing in the shadow of his stablemate and could make some noise as the dark horse.
5. Casualty Of War: He’s been running a mix of the turf/dirt, but he does have two HOTY turf wins and his connections are pointing him toward the turf marathon races in the second half. Could move up.
6. Proteus Prince: Back with IRS, this guy is fighting for a top position. His early season record is one of the best, but he needs to step up in big company if he’s going to move up.
Turf Distance Older Females:
1. Daddy’s Overdraft: At the miles and shorter distance races, she tops division on turf for now.
2. Lissome: Needs to quit playing in undercards, by # of wins alone, she would top this.
3. Pandora: Back at home on turf, could take charge of a relatively even division
4. Impress The Moonlight: Still think she’ll find her top spot again. She’s too classy to fall into the shadows.
5. Miss Josephine: Rounding out nicely at age five, took break to prep for big fall/winter campaign
6. Stalking The Stars: Lives at BSD, should step up as fall/winter comes on
7. Spitterfly: Like #1, she seems to relish the shorter distance races, has 2 HOTY wins to name and is maturing at the right time.
Older Dirt Male Sprinters:
1. Alucard: Has finally reached the promised land for Valkyrie Stable. Buoyed his rep with a win over Sun King in the Phoenix Gold Cup—his second career win in that stakes.
2. Chatoyant: Picked up a nice win in the La Coneja, will look to right ship in the second half.
3. Silent Snap: Seems to have become 7F/8F oriented with age, snapping up Sun King’s abandoned post. Needs to step back into HOTY races to make case for title.
4. Tears No More: 4th best of the slim division, needs confidence booster. Has the previous back class to be a threat.
Older Turf Male Sprinters:
1. Phantasm Frost: Leader of light division, coming into his own away from the turf sprinting mares.
2. Daring Vision: Has become little engine that could. If he steps up into HOTY realm again, could surprise the top one.
3. Winged Pegasus: Was virtually unbeatable at two, missed three year old season. Finally getting a well-deserved run at age four.
Older Female Turf Sprinters:
1. Silver Serendipity: Firestone Racing gambled with keeping her in training for another year and have found success.
2. Taboo: Get the feeling from BBS that she is just getting started.
3. Athena’s Desires: SOPS stood by her when hope appeared lost and she’s paying them back in a big way.
4. Call Me Crooked: Last year’s Turf Sprinter Crown winner has fallen a bit, but she’s making it up in consistency. No one should underestimate her going forward.
5. Stiletto Allure: Has been taking hits as Daring Vision’s whipping girl. Should back into her own gender for a friendlier pace set up.
Older Female Dirt Sprinters:
1. Siren Call: Tough as nails, has beaten boys and taken on all comers.
2. Lilith Wind: Most recent victory in the Orchid Stakes over #3 and #5 cements her place. Will need to unseat #1 at some point going forward.
3. Dry Your Tears: Year 16 has been a revelation for this girl. With 3 HOTY wins, she’s more than capable of continuing her path to the top of the division.
4. Rules Of Passion: Was always good, but she is finding her best stride this year at sprints.
5. Trinity: Shortened up and has found new life and a much friendlier pace set up.
Ones to Watch: Valine: Recent July Wk 3 win puts her closer to making it to the top rankings.
Three Year Old Dirt Distance Males:
1. Barely Smokin: Slight nod to him on HOTY wins of the season.
2. Incognito: Derby winner isn’t far behind, just needs to run more often.
3. Uno Momento: Preakness win gives this guy a Saintly Touch feeling, will need to prove self second half.
4. Natural Selection: Did not face top three as he was running mostly on turf. However, he did win the Queen’s Plate in third dirt start of the season.
5. Monarch’s Journey: Has started proving himself after the Triple Crown grind.
6. Night Visions: Great early season, pointing for dirt distance series, could move up.
7. Firestorm: Down the list based on # of wins, beat #4 last out. Turf start is next.
8. Wyvern& Tiger Heart: Very close between these two. Both need to step it up in HOTY company.
Ones to watch: Muggathugga: May be too late this season, but could be a big factor next year.
Three Year Old Dirt Sprint Males:
1. Coincidence: He’s been more up than down as of late, just in time for the biggest series he qualifies for.
2. Innerstellar: Lots of 2nds and 3rds, top horse when on game.
3. Ares: Won last two races impressively, could close into a hot pace.
4. Criosphinx: Boy’s Party win was a surprise, but he is tactical and focused
5. Fusillade: Consistent runner who seems to like the cut back to 7F. Could be threat to Coincidence at longer sprint distances.
Three Year Old Dirt Distances Females:
1. Hellfire: Versatile filly, likely to have big second half. No idea where she is being pointed.
2. Adrasteia: Recent win points to her having a major second half. Future goals uncertain.
3. Awestruck: Odd run in the Triple Tiara, prep races say she’s better than she showed. Dirt distance series next
4. Quick Silver: Split Triple Tiara has left the division without a leader. This one likely will better at shorter distance races. If she starts winning, she could take up the mantle.
5. Animatia: This one has run everywhere and is hitting her stride at the right time.
6. Fire Goddess; Beat #5 last out, avoided #1 all season, who is also her stablemate. Could be the long distance filly that Hellfire might not be.
7. Enrapture: Has been running solid season, could be a horse to watch next year.
8. Aphrodite’s Chant: Has been MIA… She has to show up sometime.
9. Vengeance: Made a good return, 3rd in the Woodbine Oaks against some of these. Will get better the more she races.
Three Year Old Dirt Sprinter Females:
1. Swing Dancer: Made a huge transformation from 2-3. Skipped Star Party after Girl’s Party win, pointing for straight run against only fillies.
2. Rough Diamond: Connections gambled and finished third against boys in Star Party. She’s in her top form to challenge.
3. Melodious: A different animal on dirt sprinting, but rumor says she might be heading to the turf sprinter tiara.
4. Doubloon Moon: Needs pace set up, but if she gets it, she’s the dark horse.
Three Year Old Turf Distance Females:
1. Cyclonaria: At shorter distance races, beat #2, but lost to #2 in final leg of the Turf Tiara. Close between top three. She hit grade one already and looks to have assumed the lead.
2. Coveted Faith: Second based on her strong performance in the ten furlong Duchess Stakes. Beaten by #1 last out, however, she beat most below her two starts back.
3. Like A Lady: Connections chose to run against best turf males and were not embarrassed at all. She’s a strong filly and came back to hit grade impressively.
4. Scintilla: Winner of the second leg of the TTT, 3 HOTY wins to her name and has been consistent. Has not run a lot compared to her stablemate and others in the division
5. Lady Timeah: Consistent filly who has yet to finish out of money, needs some wins, recently 2nd against #3
6. Santana’s Legend: Has run a solid season, took 1st leg of Turf Triple Tiara. Has been off game, but recently won her return race.
7. Sylvanite: She’s putting KC Racing on the map. 2 HOTY victories already and could run big if her connections send her to the final leg of the CTT
8. Melusine: Has done a lot of running this season in the undercards. When against better, she holds up well. Could move up if she pursues the turf distance series at BSD
9. All That Jazz: Won New Economy Oaks, but has had an underwhelming season. She’s going to get better at some point, her connections just need to be patient.
10. Sweet Mimosa: Hasn’t run a lot this season after a really good juvenile year. Hoping connections have a bigger plan in store for the daughter of Screaming Mimi.
Three Year Old Turf Distance Males:
1. Notorious: Has been amazing at 3, 5 HOTY wins and dual TTC leg winner. Has yet to return, but is entered in the Rose Mile Cup.
2. World Dominion. Arch Rival of #1, got better of him at 12F distance. Made a good return in Flatfoot Mile. Connections looking toward bigger things
3. Natural Selection: Lucked out missing stablemate and #1. Totally dominating on turf at BSD. Expected favorite for final leg of the CTC.
4. Altercation: 2 HOTY wins this year, preparing for turf distance series @ BSD. Will face #3 in Breeders’ Stakes.
5. First Class: Has been running against best turf fillies, ready for more.
6. Fire It Up: Found a unique niche on turf for his pedigree, readying for turf distance series.
One to watch: A True Hero: KC Racing bringing colt steadily to best, may not get there this year, but one to watch for next.
Three Year Old Turf Sprinter Males:
1. Dancing On Nails: The surprise success story of the colts. Won Star Festival nicely over Artemis’ Glory, who looms over both genders for now.
2. Optical Illusion: Coming into best form of season, has not run since Boy’s Festival in June.
3. Flying Fashion: Prepared for sprinter turf crown with great performances at BSD over full fields. 3rd in the Boys Festival, but still a major threat.
4. SmashDashing: Connections waiting for lightbulb to kick on. Very talented at two, dark horse if figured out.
Three Year Old Turf Sprinter Females:
1. Artemis’ Glory: Her super tactical speed is lethal no matter gender. Second to colts in Star Festival makes her competitive and her connections are looking to pull this season’s Call Me Crooked.
2. Sophie’s Pride: At shorter distance, she’s becoming tough. Could be favorite for Turf Sprinter Tiara.
3. Luminous Wave: 3 HOTY wins, but still underappreciated. Dark horse.
4. Sugar Demon: At 5F-6F, she’s potent. Could have her way in first leg if her 2yo form shows up to play.
5. Urgent Appeal: IRS has quietly developed her into quite a filly. If they don’t want to race #2 in the tiara, they have a strong one waiting in the wings.
6. Melodious: Not convinced turf is her thing. Rumor has it she will enter if first tiara leg is light on entries.
Two Year Old Dirt Sprinter Males:
1. Toss Up: Has been a force with 4 impressive wins, only first or second in 8 starts.
2. Gambling Fortune: Very strong colt, half to champion 2yo filly Nirvana. Toss Up should be on look out for this one.
3. Risky Business: IRS will have to make decisions next year with this guy. He won’t play second fiddle for long
(P.S. Where are all of the dirt sprinting juvenile males??)
Two Year Old Turf Sprinter Males:
1. Breaking Point: Last 3 wins have given him control over this division.
2. Seattle Lightning: Break through horse for new barn. Rock solid second horse in this division. Will get better.
3. Storm Warning: Firestone Racing wants to take a Dancing On Nails approach with this one. He’s tough and could prove successful.
(P.S. Where are all of the turf sprinting juvenile males??)
Two Year Old Dirt Sprinter Females:
1. Blue Heroine: Has been unstoppable this season; latest win only cements that opinion.
2. Dauntless: She’s a very close second though. Skipped Orchid Cup Fillies, major player.
3. Pele’s Wrath: Has not won a HOTY race yet, but is strong. Proving her sire at less than eight furlongs.
4. Hysteria: May be better at 7-9 furlongs than sprinting, but can dabble in sprints in the mean time.
5. Don’t Count Me Out: Won twice, but talented enough for second in Orchid Cup Fillies, needs more confidence.
6. Mistweaver: A very nice filly, good win in July Wk 3. Very consistent, only going to get better.
7. Fading Embers: Another Ashes to Ashes daughter who is good shortening up. Needs to win some more, but she is consistent.
Two Year Old Turf Sprinter Females:
1. Wings of Jayde: Well-regarded and respected early in career. Lost last out, but won’t stay down for long.
2. Amaris: Last win was big, consistent player in tough year.
3. Faded Dreams: This year’s version of Lilith Wind and Sugar Demon, will be tough even for #1 going shorter sprinting distances.
4. Game Over: Winner of 3 HOTY races has tailed off a little, but she could come back even stronger. BBS has a great record with turf sprinting fillies so they’ll figure her out.
5. Spirit of the Angel: Really good filly who looks like any kind at the moment. Has gotten better since May.
6. Witching Hour: This group is closer than rankings suggest. Bursting with talent and poised for big second half.
7. Moonstorm: Really nice filly with great pedigree. Lots of potential to do big things.
Two Year Old Dirt Distance Males:
1. Cascabel: Has given BBS their first big dirt horse as juvenile. Top at the moment with strong first half performances.
2. Prometheus: Ultra consistent, SOPS CTC candidate for next year has been mixing it up, but as he stands, he is in the top two of the colt dirt division.
3. Proletariat: Recent victory in El Joven puts him here. Needs more HOTY wins, but he’s ready to strike if Grayson Meadows wishes.
4. Black Thriller: Always there, will get breakthrough at some point. Two HOTY wins at the moment; will be a classic contender next year.
5. Arctic Fox: Needs more HOTY performance, but El Joven second was a good start. Is already starting to mature nicely.
6. Tuff E Nuff: Classy contender, needs to keep racing. May need class drop for confidence, but still a top colt.
7. Soaring Passion: Up and down season so far, but he is a big horse. IRS will get to the bottom of him ala Anodyne and Natural Selection.
8. Shady Biscuit: A nice colt with three wins, needs more track time. Has distance limits, but could be good for the Red Mile or Kentucky Derby.
Two Year Old Dirt Distance Females:
1. Miss Magic: Has not raced as much as others, early season form incredible. Needs to run.
2. Lawless: This one is looming in background with one strong performance after another.
3. Luna de Soltera: Winner of 4 has 1 HOTY win and lots of top HOTY finishes.
4. Hysteria: Fits better in this division, very nice filly who could make noise at any time.
5. Roses Rampant: She exudes pedigree and class, needs to run more often
6. Wild Tide: Really consistent filly, can pop up for surprise, likely to get better with age.
7. Winning Fire: Connections trying to get her confidence up. Feeling is she won’t be at bottom for long.
Two Year Old Turf Distance Males:
1. Flawless Majesty: Has not run since June Wk 3, but he’s the clear leader with 5 HOTY victories.
2. Wild Havoc: He’s one of the top in the country. Only lost 3 times and not since March.
3. Eternally Smoldering: It didn’t take North Diamond Manor long to find their next turf champ, a different horse that has taken advantage of Flawless Majesty’s absence.
4. Ensignia: Overshadowed slightly by Wild Havoc, but he’s very classy and tough. Needs to run in HOTY races to throw his name on top.
5. Genuine Risk: Top colt whose runaway style got the best of him in the first half. If they get his temper controlled, he’s a top player.
6. Laddie Luck: Always there, but like Ensignia, running in the shadows of a giant.
Two Year Old Turf Distance Females:
1. Incineration: She’s been facing top competition even in undercards; should step into HOTY races to boost her record.
2. Silent Front: Ultra tough filly who is poised for big season.
3. Kismet: Seconditis has plagued her but recent win and fiddling by connections could turn the tide.
4. Enchanting Soldier: Filly who has had a tough season, recently won. Has pedigree to go much farther than she has.
5. Shatter: Not much between #4 and #5. They’ve been having trouble staying consistent, but both of their dams only improved with age. Definitely ones to watch.
Please feel free to comment and debate. It's great to have some conversations and competition!
