At the end of a week in which most of the Western world learned it unwise to place too much faith in media predictions, those responsible for compiling the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings have warned us that their work is not finished....yet.

Arrogate (134), a three-year-old who did not run in the Classics, bounded to the top of the tree with a brilliant win in the G1 Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita -- only the sixth start of his career -- decisively beating popular California Chrome (133), who had previously topped the standings.

The outstanding Australian mare Winx has advanced to a mark of 130 off the back of a stunning eight-length demolition of a classy G1 Cox Plate field in Melbourne, making her officially the best Turf horse in the world, and the best of her sex currently in training.

Godolphin's Frosted (126) is rated 6th in the world, while his Australian countepart for the Royal Blues, Hartnell (123), is ranked equal 10th.

So, what of the predictions?  After Winx romped home at Moonee Valley last month, many scribes were quick to dub her the best horse in the world. But, being rated 4lb below the top-rated that would now seem an impossible ambition, particularly as she is now in a spelling paddock. 

Phil Smith, the British Horseracing Authority handicapper, is co-Chairman of the panel that decides the Longine's World's Best Racehorse Rankings. He predicts a long debate this year before the final list is complete.

"The interim figures that we released today are based on the opinions of about one-third of those, who will be involved in our conference in Hong Kong next month. Also, the figures are submitted only 24 to 48 hours after the relevant races, so in some cases there will be the need for a second look. 

"There is room for manoeuvre with the ratings because, even if a horse does not race again this year, some who finished behind him or her, will have the chance to frank the form -- or not frank it," he added.

A total of 27 officials from racing jurisdictions world-wide are scheduled to meet in Hong Kong around the time of the big International Races on December 11.