Beyond the Crown: Watch out for Astrology

The Triple Crown series is over but my top ten list continues and the race for the three-year-old championship is very much up for grabs. This division lacks a clear leader and many more surprises are likely in store as we head into summer and fall.

Uncle Mo is still recovering from an intestinal disorder and Nehro is out with an ankle chip. Archarcharch is retired and Dialed In, Mucho Macho Man, and Santiva drop out of the top ten following disappointing Triple Crown series efforts.

Original top ten members Astrology and Stay Thirsty are doing well currently and late bloomer Coil appears poised to take on the big boys.

Astrology is relatively fresh and seems ready to make a big splash this summer and fall for Steve Asmussen. He got a late start this year but is no longer behind the eight ball and could ascend to the top of the heap in the near future.

Check out my Belmont Stakes 2011 recap at Online Horse Racing Betting.

Click on the names of each horse below to view their Horse Racing Nation profile page, which includes pedigree information, results, and video.

Check out the top ranked Three-Year-Old Males on Horse Racing Nation.

Jarrod Horak’s Top Ten 3-Year-Old Males

1. Astrology (A.P. Indy) – Preakness show finisher has been playing catch up all year and could be poised for a giant second half of 2011. He has worked three times since the second jewel including a 6f bullet in 1:13.20 under the Twin Spires on 6-13.

2. Coil (Point Given) – Bob Baffert’s highly regarded colt stretched out successfully in the Affirmed Handicap (96 BSF) at Hollywood Park on 6-11. The July 31 Haskell has been mentioned as a possible target.

3. Animal Kingdom (Leroidesanimaux) – Derby hero and Preakness runner-up lost all chance after a terrible start in the Belmont Stakes. Look for him to show up in races like the Haskell and Travers later this summer.

4. Pants On Fire (Jump Start) – LA Derby winner finished 9^th in Ky Derby. He recently drilled a strong 4f at Monmouth and is expected to go next in the June 18 Pegasus. The Haskell is his summer goal.

5. Soldat (War Front) – My disappointing Kentucky Derby top is heading back to the lawn. He breezed 4f in :49.45 (18/33) at Belmont Park on 6-6 and reportedly has an eye on the July 16 Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs.

6. Stay Thirsty (Bernardini) – Gotham hero flopped in Florida/Kentucky Derby. Rebounded with a fine place finish in the Belmont Stakes and could get on a roll this summer for Pletcher/Repole. The July 30 Jim Dandy and August 27 Travers at Saratoga are on his radar screen.

7. Ruler On Ice (Roman Ruler) – Surprise Belmont Stakes winner received a 100 BSF for his score on Saturday. Breen also conditions Pants On Fire so he has plenty of stakes options to choose from.

8. Shackleford (Forestry) –Preakness winner ran out of gas in the Belmont Stakes. His early-pressing speed should serve him well in the Haskell.

9. Alternation (Distorted Humor) – Peter Pan hero wisely skipped the Belmont Stakes. He could show up in the Jim Dandy and/or Travers at Saratoga this summer. Breezed 4f in :51.60 at Arlington Park on 6-14.

10. Smash (Smart Strike) – Paired-up solid 103 BSF’s in his last two May sprint starts at Hollywood Park. Baffert trainee worked 7f in 1:24.80 on 6-14 and might try a route of ground next.