Dubai: Japanese-trained Just A Way, winner of the Dubai Duty Free Stakes (G1) at Meydan in March, has completed a phenomenal six months as the top rated horse in the 2014 Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings.
Trained by Naosuke Sugai, the five-year-old-son of 2006 Dubai Sheema Classic-winner Heart’s Cry, also landed the prestigious Yasuda Kinen (G1) in June.
Snapping at his heels are two exciting horses from the Classic generation — Dual Derby winner Australia and four-time Group 1 scorer Kingman — and South Africa’s Variety Club, winner of the Godolphin Mile (G2) at Meydan in March and the Champions Mile (G1) at Sha Tin in May.
In North America, Shared Belief, maintained his six-race unbeaten record, when taking the TVG Pacific Classic (G1) at Del Mar. Shared Belief defeated the UAE Derby winner Toast of New York.
The Classic is a part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge, with the winner of the race automatically earning a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Oak Tree.
Tapestry delivered the top performance by a filly to win the Darley Yorkshire Oaks (G1), and move to joint sixth in the rankings, where she has The Fugue, California Chrome, Game On Dude and Gold Ship for company.
Dubai World Cup (G1) winner African Story is among the four-horses with Dubai connections who figure in the top 30 of the rankings.
Emirati trainer Saeed Bin Surour’s star shares 11th position with six other top horses including Cirrus Des Aigles, Designs On Rome, Lankan Rupee, Magician, Military Attack and Palace Malice.
The Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings are compiled by the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings Committee and published by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA).
They are based on distance categories and surface indicators.
