It should be noted that the rankings are based on the best performances based on surface. This does not equate to speed, at all. Class is the main factor. There are no other dirt races in the world outside of the U.S. to compare, and anyway you look at it, the Derby winner is still the Derby winner. These are only based on the calendar year as well.
Furthermore, a horse can't lose a ranking. They get their ranking for one race performance, and only one race performance, and that number sticks. It won't change. Someone else has to surpass it.
With the vast majority of older-horse races in Europe still to come, there is plenty of time for the Americans to be passed.
What will be even better is when Variety Club smashes Wise Dan in the Breeders' Cup Mile.
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