Wise Dan extends lead over Game On Dude in NTRA poll

By: SPORTS NETWORK

New York, NY (Sports Network) - Shadwell Turf Mile winner Wise Dan was given additional space over Game One Dude in week 33 of the NTRA National Thoroughbred Poll. Making a first appearance is 4-year-old filly Groupie Doll.

Wise Dan, trained by Charles Lopresti, received 20 first-place votes and 409 points, a decrease of 25 points and one fewer top vote. In spite of the drop in points, the 5-year-old gelding increased his advantage over Game On Dude.

Trained by Bob Baffert, Game On Dude is 23 points behind in second with a dozen first-place votes and 386 points. The 5-year-old gelding is the early favorite for the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita on Nov. 3.

Wise Dan is expected to start in the Breeders' Cup Mile.

Leading female Royal Delta remains in third with two top votes and 291 points. The 4-year-old filly's next start will be the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic.

Point of Entry is fourth with a single first-place vote and 267 points.

"We'll go out there (to Santa Anita Park for the Breeders' Cup Turf) and catch a firm turf out there, and I think they'll really see what he can do," Point of Entry's trainer Shug McGaughey said.

Retired 3-year-old I'll Have Another stays in fifth with nine top votes and 247 points. Mucho Macho Man holds on to sixth with 147 points as My Miss Aurelia moves up a rung to seventh with a first-place vote and 117 points.

Flat Out, winner of the Jockey Club Gold Cup, dropped a spot to eighth with 112 points followed by Fort Larned with 92. Both horses are expected to start in the Classic.

Entering the top 10 is Groupie Doll, winner of this month's Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes. Trained by owner Buff Bradley, the 4-year-old filly received 85 points as Santa Anita Handicap winner Ron the Greek fell out of the top 10.

Groupie Doll will start in the $1 million Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint on Nov. 3.

"I would like to let her stretch her legs out there (Santa Anita) and get her there a week before the race," Bradley said. "I think there is a flight on the Friday before and that would be ideal."