Memorable performances by CALIFORNIA CHROME (USA) [126] and WINX (AUS) [126] have led them to be tied atop the second edition of the LONGINES World's Best Racehorse Rankings for 2016.

California Chrome impressed in the Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline (G1) when he romped to a 3 ¾- length victory despite his saddle slipping significantly during the race. The 5-year-old Lucky Pulpit horse improved his rating from 121 to 126 with that performance. California Chrome has won all three of his starts thus far in 2016. He took the San Pasqual Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita before going to Dubai, where he easily won the Trans Gulf Electromechanical Trophy at Meydan as a prep for the Dubai World Cup.

Joining California Chrome at the top of the rankings is Australia's Winx. A troubled trip and a hefty weight assignment could not keep her from crossing the wire first in the Star Doncaster Mile (G1). With that victory, Winx pushed her winning streak to nine, including six Group 1 scores, dating back to May 2015. Other major wins to the Street Cry mare's credit in 2016 include the China Horse Club George Ryder Stakes (G1), Precise Air Chipping Norton Stakes (G1), and the Optus Business Apollo Stakes (G2).

POSTPONED (IRE) [124] also posted a memorable performance in Dubai when he defeated Japanese champion DURAMENTE (JPN) [121] by two lengths in the Dubai Sheema Classic Presented by Longines (G1). LAST IMPACT (JPN) [118] was third. Postponed had begun the year with a three length score in the Dubai City of Gold Sponsored by Skycargo (G2), while Duramente won the Nakayama Kinen (G2) at the end of February.

Joining Duramente in the co-fourth position is Australian sprinting sensation CHAUTAUQUA (AUS) [121], who went from last to first while defending his title in the Darley T J Smith Stakes (G1). He is the first horse to win the race in back-to-back years, although Black Caviar won it in both 2011 and 2013. Chautauqua's connections now have the May 1 Chairman's Sprint Prize (G1) in Hong Kong under consideration, as well as a trip to Royal Ascot in June.

Meanwhile, undefeated SONGBIRD (USA) [120] continued to impress in the lead up to the May 6 Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1). The 3-year-old Medaglia d'Oro filly took the Santa Anita Oaks (G1) with ease in her last start even though it was the first time she faced a sloppy track. Songbird has won all seven career starts by open lengths, and her other victories this year include the Las Virgenes Stakes (G2) and Santa Ysabel Stakes (G3).

The highest-rated 3-year-old colt is undefeated NYQUIST (USA) [118], who extended his winning streak to six by taking the Xpressbet.com Florida Derby (G1). He started the year with a win in the San Vicente Stakes (G2), and the Uncle Mo colt is the expected favourite for the May 7 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1).

In South Africa, LEGAL EAGLE (SAF) [118] added another Group 1 to his list of accomplishments when he won the H F Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes (G1) in April. Earlier this year, he took the L'Ormarins Queen's Plate (G1) and finished second behind SMART CALL (SAF) [119] in the J&B Met (G1).

A number of horses find themselves newly ranked after a busy month of racing around the globe. Dubai World Cup night is known for its high-class card, and this year was no exception. VAZIRABAD (FR) [118] was victorious in the Dubai Gold Cup Sponsored by Al Tayer Moters (G2), BUFFERING (AUS) [118] took the Al Quoz Sprint Sponsored by Meydan Hotels & Hospitality (G1), and REAL STEEL (JPN) [119] won the Dubai Turf Sponsored by DP World (G1).

Another Japanese newcomer is GOLD ACTOR (JPN) [119], who kicked off his 2016 season by winning the Nikkei Sho (G2). Elsewhere, DON INC (ARG) [118] is ranked after his gutsy half-length victory in the Longines Gran Premio Latinoamericano (G1). With that win, Don Inc became the fifth Argentine-trained horse to take the South American continental championship.