Zenyatta, Eskendereya Top First NTRA Polls

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association released the results of their first polls of 2010 March 1.The polls reflect the voting of 17 media members and racing officials and cover racing performances through Feb. 28.

Eskendereya, runaway winner of the Feb. 20 Fountain of Youth Stakes (gr. II), topped the poll for 3-year-olds. With nine first-place votes, Eskendreya wound up with 152 points, 10 more than the runner-up, 2009 champion juvenile male Lookin At Lucky   (6 first-place votes, 142 points). The 3-year-old poll runs through the Triple Crown season, ending June 8, the Monday after the Belmont Stakes (gr. I).

In the National poll for horses of all ages, two-time Eclipse Award winner Zenyatta breaks from the gate on top, holding a slight edge over 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra. Zenyatta received eight first-place votes and 150 total points while Rachel Alexandra got five first-place votes and 145 points.

Neither filly has started this year, but both are slated to run March 13: Zenyatta in the Santa Margarita Invitational Handicap (gr. I) and Rachel Alexandra in the $200,000 New Orleans Ladies Classic at Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots.

Quality Road  , who has started twice, and won twice, is third in the national poll with four first-place votes and 133 overall points.

The national poll runs through the Breeders’ Cup.

Votes are tallied on a 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 basis.

3-YEAR-OLD POLL
Rank, Horse (First-Place Votes), Total
1, Eskendereya (9), 152
2, Lookin At Lucky (6), 142
3, Conveyance, 106
4, Rule (1), 82
5, Dublin (1), 69
6, Caracortado, 59
7, Super Saver, 53
8, Discreetly Mine, 41
9, Vale of York, 30
10, D’ Funnybone, 27

Others: Blind Luck, 24; Dave in Dixie, 20; Jackson Bend, 19; Buddy’s Saint, 15; American Lion, 13; Noble’s Promise, 13; Radiohead, 11; Connemara, 9; Schoolyard Dreams, 7; A Little Warm, 6; Nordic Truce, 6; Amen Hallelujah, 5; Uptowncharleybrown, 5; Aikenite, 4; Hot Dixie Chick, 4; Ibboyee, 4; Fly Down, 2; Peppi Knows, 2; Raise the Bridle, 2; Miner’s Reserve, 1; She Be Wild, 1; Uh Oh Bango, 1.

NATIONAL POLL
Rank, Horse (First-Place Votes), Total
1, Zenyatta (8), 150
2, Rachel Alexandra (5), 145
3, Quality Road (4), 133
4, Gio Ponti, 83
5, St Trinians, 56
6, Presious Passion, 55
7, Eskendereya, 50
8, Lookin At Lucky, 34
9, Life is Sweet, 23
10, Blind Luck, 21

Others: Bold Chieftain, 19; Summer Bird, 15; Jeranimo, 11; Munnings, 11; Sweet Repent, 11; Court Vision, 10; Courageous Cat, 8; Vale of York, 8; Caracortado, 7; Conveyance, 7; Encaustic, 7; Fabulous Strike, 7; Greenspring, 7; Richard's Kid, 7; Rule, 7; Tuscan Evening, 7; Amen Hallelujah, 6; Informed Decision, 5; Gabby's Golden Gal, 4; Mine That Bird, 4; Stonehouse, 4; Blame, 3; Dublin, 3; Forever Together, 3; Bob Black Jack, 2; Rail Trip, 2.