With his first start in the United States this season under his belt, Rebel's Romance was quick to be added to the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's Top Thoroughbred Poll by the national media who vote every week.
The 2024 Eclipse champion turf male was impressive when taking command of the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes (G1T) at Aqueduct Racetrack after the opening half-mile and striding on strongly to win the 1 1/2-mile event by 3 1/2 lengths. The victory sets him up for a shot at a third triumph in the $5 million Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T) at Del Mar Nov. 1, which he won in 2022 and 2024.
The Godolphin homebred Dubawi gelding debuted eighth on the NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll and improved his overall record to 5-0-1 from seven starts this year across five countries.
The top 7 in the rankings remained unchanged, with another Godolphin homebred, Sovereignty, still having a firm grip on the No. 1 spot. Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes (G1) winner Antiquarian found himself back on the leaderboard in the 10th spot after being knocked into 11th place last week.
Nysos, a two-time graded stakes winner this season, and Deterministic, winner of the Manhattan Stakes (G1T) and Fourstardave Stakes (G1T) in his last two starts, were bumped out of the top 10 this week and sit 11th and 12th, respectively.
