For a third consecutive week following his June 6 Metropolitan Handicap (G1) victory, Baoma Corp, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith's Nysos ranks first in the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's Top Thoroughbred Poll released June 23. However, there is a strong probability he could lose that spot next week.
The reason for that being the three horses ranked directly behind him—Magnitude, White Abarrio, and Sovereignty—are all set to face off June 27 in the $2 million Stephen Foster Stakes (G1) at Churchill Downs. As the weekly poll voted on by national media is meant to represent the leading candidates for Horse of the Year, the winner of this high-powered matchup would likely take the leading role at the midpoint of the season.
Adding the Foster to his Dubai World Cup (G1) triumph would certainly have Magnitude as the midseason favorite for Horse of the Year honors. With 11 first-place votes, he sits just one behind Nysos and trails him in total accumulative points 249-246.
White Abarrio's ranking would benefit greatly from backing up his defeat of Sovereignty and Journalism in the Oaklawn Handicap (G2) by adding Magnitude, grade 1 winner Baeza, and a second victory over Sovereignty in the Foster. Likewise, as the reigning Horse of the Year, Sovereignty turning the tables on White Abarrio in his second start of the year while continuing his 2025 domination of Magnitude and Baeza into 2026 would elevate him back to the top.
