Royal Delta roars back into NTRA Poll

By: SPORTS NETWORK

New York, NY (Sports Network) - After losing the Fleur de Lis on June 15 and eventually dropping out of the top 10, champion mare Royal Delta has vaulted back into the upper echelon of the NTRA National Poll.

Putting up a 10 3/4-length victory in Saturday's Delaware Handicap, Royal Delta soared into fifth-place for week 21. Trained by Bill Mott, the 5-year- old received 169 points and got back into the Horse of the Year picture.

"That was a great performance by her, and it looked like she was back to her championship form," Mott said. "She'll go in the Personal Ensign (Aug. 25 at Saratoga) next. That's our plan, providing she's doing well and is healthy."

The top four in the voting are unchanged from last week.

Reigning Horse of the Year Wise Dan picked up 26 top votes and 375 points. He was followed by Game On Dude (12, 356), Fort Larned (1, 294) and Point of Entry (213).

After Royal Delta in the voting came Sahara Sky (130), Flat Out (112), Obviously (88), Graydar (85) and Animal Kingdom (72).