2008 Timeform Ratings-
 

TIMEFORM GLOBAL RANKINGS (CLOSE OF 2008)

Curlin a134
Raven’s Pass 133
Zarkava 133
Big Brown a132
Duke Of Marmalade 132
New Approach 132
Henrythenavigator 131
Sacred Kingdom 131
Youmzain 131
Conduit 130
Midnight Lute a130
Soldier Of Fortune 130
Weekend Hussler 130
Paco Boy 129
Septimus 129
Goldikova 128
It’s Gino 128
Papal Bull 128§
Yeats 128
Zenyatta 128

a = indicates a performance on a dirt surface
§ = the horse is unreliable (for temperamental or other reasons)

Interesting. I think Curlin got his 134 based on reputation; or did I miss something in the DWC that was more impressive than Zarkava in the Arc?

Also, how is Commentator not on this list? I think he ran the best two "dirt" races in the US last year

I don't think I totally agree about Commentator. When you factor in his competition and how the races shaped up, I think it takes away from those efforts somewhat. I don't think either of his dirt races were more impressive than Heatseeker in the Oaklawn Hcp. He's a nice horse and when things go his way, he can run some brilliant races.

Didn't Tiago beat Heatseeker in the Oaklawn Hcp? I think the Big Cap, was Heatseeker's big win. I don't have any idea how Timeform comes up with these numbers, so I don't know if the "class" of the race plays into it, or if its based on trip and time, or some hybrid of the three (along with a number of other variables)

Yes, I meant Tiago. I was thinking of Heatseeker's win after that in California but of course, that was on the toy track.