CALIFORNIA CHROME (USA)is one of the top three rated 121 by the Longines World’s Best Racehorse rankings. Although none of the top ranked are based in the United Arab Emirates, all three are being pointed toward the Dubai World Cup card on 26 March.

Earning a top Longines ranking of 121, California Chrome kicked off his 2016 campaign at home with a victory in the San Pasqual Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita before heading to Dubai. He then easily won the Trans Gulf Electromechanical Trophy at Meydan while spotting his rivals 15 lbs., and his next start is scheduled to be the Dubai World Cup (G1). California Chrome finished second in last year’s edition of the world’s richest race but was sidelined for the rest of 2015 and did not race again until the San Pasqual.

Also returning from a lengthy layoff Duramente (JPN) also ranked at 121, was named Japan’s champion 3-year-old of 2015. Duramente had not raced since last May when he won the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) (G1). He then suffered fractures in both front legs and missed the rest of the year while recovering from surgery.

Postponed (IRE), also ranked 121, ended his 2015 season with a victory in the Qatar Prix Foy (G2) at Longchamp, then made his first start of 2016 a memorable one during Super Saturday of the Dubai World Cup Carnival. The 5-year-old was much the best when he took the Dubai City of Gold (G2) by three lengths. Postponed and Duramente are now set to square off in the Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) on Dubai World Cup night.

Frosted (USA) at 120 is another runner who has been drawing attention in the United Arab Emirates. The United States-based colt began his 2016 campaign in Dubai with an eye-catching five length victory in the Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 Sponsored by EGA (G2) and is set to take on California Chrome in the Dubai World Cup.

A filly making headlines in the United States is Songbird (USA) [120]. Last year’s undefeated champion 2-year-old filly, Songbird returned in 2016 in dominating fashion and has already added the Las Virgenes Stakes (G2) and Santa Ysabel Stakes (G3) to her list of accomplishments. She is the current favorite for the LONGINES Kentucky Oaks (G1) in May.

The LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings is horseracing’s equivalent to World Rankings by other major sporting organizations such as ATP Tennis Rankings, World Golf Rankings, FIFA World Rankings for soccer and IRB Rugby World Rankings. The LONGINES Rankings are based on the ratings earned by horses running worldwide from North and South America, Europe, Middle East, South Africa, Asia through to Australia and New Zealand. The ratings are compiled under the auspices of The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) by racing officials & handicappers representing the five continents who compile the ranking order by agreeing on the rating for each horse. The ratings are based on the performance of horses in elite races held during the designated period which takes in account the quality of opposition and achievements of each horse. Throughout the year the Longines Rankings are published at regular intervals and the consolidated annual rankings are released in January. The annual rankings denote the champions in the various distance categories for example sprint or mile, surface either turf or dirt/artificial and also the fillies & mares category.
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