Game On Dude remains first as Breeders' Cup draws near

By: SPORTS NETWORK

New York, NY (SportsNetwork.com) - Less than two weeks until the 30th Breeders' Cup and Game On Dude continues to lead the way in the NTRA National Thoroughbred Poll.

Game On Dude, trained by Bob Baffert, received 45 of 50 first-place votes for 495 points in week 34 of the voting. The 6-year-old gelding, partly owned by Joe Torre, will start in his third Breeders' Cup Classic on Nov. 2 at Santa Anita.

Reigning Horse of the Year Wise Dan picked up four top votes and 434 points to remain second as he prepares to defend his title in the Breeders' Cup Mile on the turf.

Leading 3-year-old filly Princess of Sylmar is third with one first-place vote and 372 points followed by champion mare Royal Delta who picked up 272 points. The two ladies will meet again in the Breeders' Cup Distaff on Nov. 1.

"She kept doing so well and running so well," said trainer Todd Pletcher of the decision to send Princess of Sylmar to the Breeders' Cup. "She was able to win the Beldame (over Royal Delta). I think one of Ed's (owner Ed Stanko) concerns early in the year was running her as a 3-year-old against older mares in California. When she beat Royal Delta, I think that eased some of his concerns."

Keeping a hold of fifth is Point of Entry (198) followed by Graydar (162), Mucho Macho Man (127), Will Take Charge (124) and Ron the Greek (113).

Champion filly Beholder returns to the rankings in 10th-place with 94 points. Trained by Richard Mandella, the 3-year-old filly won last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies and Eclipse Award.