Nearly Shoots Into First in NTRA Top 3-Year-Old Poll

With 2-year-old champion Ted Noffey declared off the Triple Crown trail with bone bruising Jan. 29, a shakeup in the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's Top 3-Year-Old Poll was to be expected. Yet, on Feb. 3, Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher still found one of his horses in the No. 1 spot. That top placing was awarded by national media to Centennial Farms' Nearly after a dominant 5 3/4-length score in the Holy Bull Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park Jan. 31, extending his winning streak to three and earning him 20 qualifying points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. The Florida-bred son of Not This Time received 10 of the 30 first-place votes in the poll, elevating him to first place after being ranked 14th in the initial rankings Jan. 27. Ted Noffey had received 21 of the 23 first-place votes cast last week before his injury, but as the poll is meant to represent horses on the Triple Crown trail, he only retained five first-place votes this week and ranked 10th. 2025 Remsen Stakes (G2) winner Paladin had received the other two first-place votes last week and increased support with six this week, ranking second. Lecomte Stakes (G3) winner Golden Tempo ranked third, with 2025 Del Mar Futurity (G1) winner Brant fourth and 2025 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) winner Further Ado fifth. Little changed in the Top Thoroughbred poll as defending Horse of the Year Sovereignty holds the top spot after receiving 23 of the 30 first-place votes. See the full Week 2 Rankings