It was a memorable month as both Flightline (USA) [139] and Baaeed (GB) [135] achieved historically notable ratings and put distance between themselves and all others in the seventh edition of the LONGINES World's Best Racehorse Rankings for 2022.
Flightline put in an exquisite performance in the TVG Pacific Classic Stakes (G1), which he won by 19 ¼ lengths over Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline (G1) winner Country Grammer (USA) [121]. With his victory, Flightline, who also won the Hill 'N' Dale Metropolitan Handicap (G1) in June and is undefeated in five career starts, raised his rating to 139 from 127. Historically, this mark is the highest earned by a dirt horse and only 1lb below Frankel's benchmark rating of 140 under the current system. Previously, the highest rating given to a dirt horse was the 135 achieved by Cigar in 1996.
Meanwhile, Baaeed raised his rating to 135 from 128 following his victory in the Juddmonte International Stakes (G1), where he defeated Mishriff (IRE) [122] by 6 ½ lengths. He is now a perfect 10-for-10 in his career, and his other wins this year include the Qatar Sussex Stakes (G1), Queen Anne Stakes (G1), and Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes (G1). Baaeed's rating of 135 is the highest given on turf since Frankel received his 140 in 2012 and is one below the 136 his own sire, Sea the Stars, earned in 2009.
Additionally, there are several newcomers to this month's rankings. Epicenter (USA) [125] received his rating following his winning effort in the Runhappy Travers Stakes (G1), which he took by 5 ¼ lengths. Luxembourg (IRE) [122] impressed when he won the Irish Champion Stakes (G1) over Onesto (IRE) [121], Vadeni (FR) [123], and Mishriff. Lastly, Minzaal (IRE) [121] is ranked off of his score by 3 ¾ lengths in the Betfair Sprint Cup Stakes (G1).
| LONGINES World's Best Racehorse Rankings
Leading Horses |
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| Rank | Horse | Rating | Trained |
| 1 | FLIGHTLINE (USA) | 139 | USA |
| 2 | BAAEED (GB) | 135 | GB |
| 3 | NATURE STRIP (AUS) | 126 | AUS |
| 4 | EPICENTER (USA) | 125 | USA |
| 4 | LIFE IS GOOD (USA) | 125 | USA |
| 6 | PYLEDRIVER (GB) | 124 | GB |
| 6 | TITLEHOLDER (JPN) | 124 | JPN |
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