There have not been a lot of changes since the last of the 3YO Power Rankings, however once we hit the new year things should change rapidly with more big races. There has been a Group 1 win from distil, and Antonio Lombardo has lost his last couple, Duckworth Lewis continues his improvement as a 3YO, I have also spied what may be an emerging Oaks contender for later in the season.
Firstly the Levin Classic, an excellent win from Distil, and a performance from a wide barrier draw from Randall to beat the hot favourite Antonio Lombardo, on the back of that they should make an appearance in this list, however it most likely wont be for long because I have read they are both likely heading out of the country (Distil and Randall articles).
I am not too worried about Andonio Lombardo, I still think that Levin Classic run was unlucky because of the effort required to get into that leadership role. He has then followed up with a run for fifth in the WFA challenge stakes over the weekend behind some very good horses again when favourite, definitely worth giving him more chances because he is definitely talented but the bloom is slightly off the rose.
Duckworth Lewis was very good for fifth from a wide barrier at Group 1 Level when he looked to have a tough race, he followed this up with another victory over more than 2000m against 3YO's at listed level. He is continuing to look at home over more distance and particularly seems to like racing at Ellerslie.
I was at Ellerslie's last Twlight racing meeting a couple of weeks ago and I saw one of the more impressive finishes I have seen in person. In race 6 a seemingly meaningless 1600m maiden Silent Achiever was probably a good two lengths back with 100m to go and won by a length an a half. It was very impressive for an Oaks nominated horse who should continue to get better.
Onto the Rankings...
Power Rankings
Dropped from Rankings: Dollario (9), Burgundy (10) through no fault of their own.
Honourable Mention: Dollario, Burgundy (Might move up on Boxing day), Randall (Hardest omission), Artistic (In Eight Carat Boxing day), Shanghai Bund (Should win at rating 85 Boxing day), Testa Secret (very hard to follow), Silent Achiever, Abeautifulred, Shuka
Number 10 - President Lincoln (8) - Only dropping because of the impressive performances from higher ranked horses on this list.
Number 9 - Zurella (NA) - Climbing the rankings with her first Group win beating a strong field.
Number 8 - Dowager Queen (3) - Ran fifth in a pretty good field of fillies, however Zurella is definitely the improving 3YO Filly. The distance was probably a little short for what she has been racing over recently, so look for improvement as the distance increases.
Number 7 - Duckworth Lewis (8) - Moving up and continuing to win.
Number 6 - Distil (N/A) - On the strength of a Group 1 win. He will continue to fall in this list if it is not in NZ.
Number 5 - Planet Rock (6) - On Boxing day the Eight Carat Classic should sort out a few of these rankings, it is looking like an excellent race, including numbers five and eight on this list, as well as Artistic, Holy Moly, Silent Achiever, Abeautifulred, and Testa Secret as well as undefeated Xanadu.
Number 4 - Anabandana (5) - Since her second in the Guineas she has not raced, there are going to be some great 3YO fillies races later in the year.
Number 3 - Antonio Lombardo (2) - Not quite as powerful following two losses, but has to stay ahead of some of these because of the quality of those fields.
Number 2 - Rock'n'Pop (4) - Moves up because both Antonio Lombardo move down the rankings, still a Group 1 winner in its own right.
Number 1 - Sangster (1) - Can't fault something that has not raced since the last rankings, and nothing has really stepped up to take his place.
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