Journalism has claimed third place in the NTRA Top Thoroughbred polls, a story first reported by the Paulick Report. Fresh off his Grade 1 Haskell Stakes victory, Journalism surged into the top three with 184 points in the latest poll. This 3-year-old Carlin Colt, now in his sixth race of the year, boasts wins in the G1 Santa Anita Derby, G1 Preakness Stakes, G1 Haskell, and G2 San Felipe. His only setbacks were narrowly missing first place in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. Notably, Journalism stands out as the sole horse to capture three Grade 1 races this year, regardless of age, gender, or racing surface. Trained by Michael McCarthy, Journalism is owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Robert V. Lapenta, Elayne Stables Five, and Mrs. John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor, and Derrick Smith.
Mindframe has maintained a strong lead for four weeks running, securing 10 votes and 234 points. This Todd Pletcher-trained colt has delivered top performances in three starts this year, winning the Grade 1 Stephen Foster, Grade 1 Churchill Downs Stakes, and Grade 2 Gulfstream Park Mile. Sovereignty, Godolphin’s dual classic winner, holds second place for the third consecutive time with 13 votes and 221 points. Trained by Bill Mott, the Into Mischief offspring won the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby, Grade 1 Belmont Stakes, and Grade 2 Youth Fountain in four races so far this year. Sovereignty is gearing up for the Grade 2 Jim Dandy on July 26th, as preparation for the Grade 1 Travers Stakes.
Recently retired Raging Torrent dropped to sixth place in the poll, while the 5-year-old New Jersey-bred Castration Committee jumped to eighth after winning the Grade 2 Alfred G. Vanderbilt on Saratoga’s racecourse on July 19th.
Other notable contenders receiving votes include NYSOS (27), Far Bridge (20), Methods and Means (16), Excellent Truth (14), Magnitude (10), Mystik Dan (7), Nitrogen (7), Kopion (7), Spirit of St. Louis (6), Sweet Azteca (5), Hit Show (4), First (3), Far Brit (3), Phileas Fogg (2), Scottish Lassie (2), Deicinistic (2), Forever Young (1), Fionn (1), Obliteration (1), Redistricting (1), Rendimized (1).
The weekly Top Thoroughbred voting highlights the leading contenders for Horse of the Year. The poll rankings reflect a points system based on a 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 scale, with the number one votes noted in parentheses.
This report was originally published by the Paulick Report on July 22, 2025.
Fan Take: This update not only spotlights the rising stars and seasoned champions shaping the season but also intensifies the excitement around Horse of the Year races. For fans, it reinforces the thrill of the sport and the anticipation of future high-stakes matchups that can further elevate Thoroughbred racing’s profile.
