The Eclipse Awards That Don't Actually Exist

By Mary Cage and Grace Clark

The Eclipse Awards are this Saturday and by the end of the night, the champion Thoroughbreds of 2015 will be crowned. We all know how the Eclipse Award categories are divided; the most prestigious award is Horse of the Year, and the others honor the best horses in their respective divisions and genders. But most of those are predictable – and frankly – the same old, same old. So we decided to come up with a few categories of our own.

Greatest Racehorse to Ever Have a Misspelled Name: American Pharoah

Let’s face it, we racing fans now think that the technically correct spelling “pharaoh” is wrong. It just doesn’t look right now.

American Pharoah training at Churchill Downs
Photo by Mary Cage

Best Racehorse Who Only Trained All Year and Never Raced: Wise Dan

We followed the two-time Horse of the Year all year as he gradually returned to training, anticipating his return in the Woodbine Mile, only for him to have to be retired.

Wise Dan during his first gallop of 2015
Photo by Mary Cage

Three-Year-Old Filly Who Would Have Dominated without Illness: Lady Eli

Looking at the crop of fillies in 2015, one of the obvious standouts was Lady Eli. In all three of her starts this year, including a grade three and grade one, she went undefeated. After stepping on a nail and developing laminitis, she was knocked out of contention for the rest of the year. The good news is, she seems to have recovered well and is back in training.

Champion Turf Female Who Didn't Beat the Boys at the Breeders’ Cup: Stephanie's Kitten

After a dominant year racing in five graded stakes races, and winning two of them, Stephanie’s Kitten capped off her six year old campaign, and career, in the Breeder’s Cup Filly and Mare Turf. Though an impressive victress, the performance of fellow turf star Tepin will likely prevent her from receiving an Eclipse Award as Champion Turf Female.

Stephanie's Kitten
Photo by Grace Clark

Best European Who Lost at the Breeders' Cup (and only ever to fillies): Golden Horn

An Arc de Triomph winner, let alone one that has won all but two career races – all of them stakes – is rare to come by. But one who has only ever been beaten by fillies? Well, our boy Golden Horn takes that rare title. His impressive run in the Breeder’s Cup Turf was easily one of the best of the European invaders, and on top of that –  his loss being to yet another dominant European, and a filly at that – earns him this award.

Golden Horn
Photo by Grace Clark

Horse Whose Name Must Always Be in All Caps: TEPIN

TEPIN dominated the turf mile ranks this year, showcasing her brilliance against her own gender before taking down the boys in the Breeders' Cup Mile. She will likely take home the Eclipse Award for Champion Turf Female, but we felt it necessary to give her this award. She is such a fun and exciting horse that her name just does not look right if it isn't capitalized.

TEPIN
Photo by Mary Cage

Best Racehorse with the Shortest Name: Om

He was the winner of American Pharoah’s two-year-old debut in 2014, and went on to win three graded stakes races in 2015. But maybe his greatest achievement is having a two-letter name.

Best Horses Named for Italian Cuisine: The Pizza Man and Pepper Roani

Does this really need an explanation? The number of puns surrounding the races of The Pizza Man were innumerable, and the adorable Pepper Roani has gathered quite a fan group already.

The Pizza Man
Photo by Grace Clark

Pepper Roani
Photo by Grace Clark

Most Popular Pony: Smokey

There are many popular ponies in horse racing, but none gained as much national attention as American Pharoah’s buckskin sidekick. And he was certainly the most photographed pony. Okay, so maybe most photos of him were actually intended to be photos of American Pharoah, but don’t tell Smokey that.

Smokey and American Pharoah
Photo by Mary Cage

Horse Most Adored for Bloodlines: Rachel's Valentina

Both of 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra’s only two offspring – Jess’s Dream and Rachel’s Valentina – broke their maiden at Saratoga in August. However, Jess’s Dream was sidelined with an injury, leaving the spotlight on Rachel’s Valentina. The filly did not disappoint, winning the grade one Spinaway Stakes at Saratoga before finishing second in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies.

Rachel's Valentina
Photo by Mary Cage

Most Visited Retired Racehorse: Silver Charm

Thanks to the dedication of the Japan Bloodhorse Breeders Association, the Lewis family, and of course Michael Blowen and all of Old Friends, Silver Charm is back home in Kentucky, and now greets the tens of thousands of fans who visit the farm each year.

Silver Charm at Old Friends
Photo by Grace Clark

Breakout Sire: Curlin

No sire was going to out-do Tapit this year, but Curlin – a two-time Horse of the Year and 2014’s Leading Third-Crop Sire – certainly made a name for himself. His son, Keen Ice, was the only horse to defeat American Pharoah in 2015 and two of his fillies, Stellar Wind and Curalina, were among the best in the three-year-old filly division.

Best Two-Year-Old Colt Who Won't Win a Real Eclipse: Airoforce

Maybe we’re a little biased, but the handsome grey son of Colonel John broke his maiden in beautiful form at Kentucky Downs, and then captured the grade three Dixiana Bourbon Stakes at Keeneland in an even more stellar performance. After losing the Breeder’s Cup Juvenile Turf by a head, he debuted on the dirt (well, slop) of Churchill Downs, winning the Kentucky Jockey Club. Though he will not receive the Eclipse Award for Two-Year-Old Male, he’ll always be the winner in our hearts.

Airoforce breaking his maiden
Photo by Grace Clark

Most Stunning Freshman Sire: Will Take Charge

Chrome. Chestnut. 17.2 hands. We’re both suckers for chestnuts with chrome, and Will Take Charge is a perfect example of that as he takes the cake as the most handsome freshman sire on the market.

Will Take Charge
Photo by Grace Clark

My Eclipse Award Selections

It is no secret that American Pharoah will be the king of this year’s Eclipse Awards, but – as always – there exist a handful of categories that have stirred up some debate. While some awards have obvious winners, there are a few that are rather wide open. We will find out each official award winner on Saturday, January 16, but below are the horses and people I would choose for each Eclipse Award:

Horse of the Year: American Pharoah

He became the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years and the first horse to ever win what has been nicknamed the “Grand Slam” – or a sweep of all three Triple Crown races, along with the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Without a doubt, American Pharoah is Horse of the Year.

American Pharoah

Two-Year-Old Male: Nyquist

In another “no question” category, Nyquist is the clear winner of this award. Undefeated in five starts, including a win in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (gr. I), he has earned this title.

Two-Year-Old Filly: Songbird

The award for Two-Year-Old Filly is also a lock. Songbird dominated her division in every sense of the word, winning each of her four starts by a combined 22 lengths. Three of those races were grade ones, including the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (gr. I).

Three-Year-Old Male: American Pharoah

He accomplished what no three-year-old has before. This award is his.

Three-Year-Old Filly: Stellar Wind

With no true standout, and contenders that took turns beating each other, this award is a bit up in the air. But when the finalists – Found, I'm a Chatterbox and Stellar Wind – were announced, leaving behind Curalina and Lady Eli, the decision became a little clearer. However, even before the finalists were revealed, by choice has been Stellar Wind.

I’m a Chatterbox started off the year with three consecutive stakes wins, including a pair of graded stakes at the Fair Grounds. After that, she finished a length ahead of Stellar Wind when third in the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I). In her next start, as aforementioned, she won the Coaching Club American Oaks by a narrow margin over Curalina but was disqualified. Although second next out in the Alabama, she finished in front of Curalina before winning the Cotillion Stakes (gr. I) against no Eclipse Award contenders. A good effort in the Distaff could have wrapped up this award for her, but instead, I’m a Chatterbox finished eighth while rivals Stellar Wind and Curalina finished in the money.

Found may have accomplished something great when defeating Golden Horn in the Breeders' Cup Turf (gr. I), but she only raced in the United States. Meanwhile, her competitors for this award were outstanding in America all year long.

Stellar Wind began her three-year-old season with back-to-back graded stakes wins at Santa Anita, including the Santa Anita Oaks (gr. I). After running fourth of fourteen in the Kentucky Oaks, she returned to Southern California to win the Summertime Oaks (gr. II) and Torrey Pines Stakes (gr. III). Stellar Wind finished the year with a game runner-up effort in the Distaff behind older female Stopchargingmaria, finishing 3 ½ lengths ahead of Curalina and more than 6 lengths in front of I’m a Chatterbox.

Although no filly proved to be an obvious leader of this division, I must choose Stellar Wind due to the consistency of her campaign and her top effort in the Breeders’ Cup, in which she easily defeated her fellow three-year-olds, as well as older females.

Older Dirt Male: Honor Code

The ill-fated Shared Belief was arguably the best older male to set foot on a track in 2015, but that alone will not earn him this award with only three starts from his brief season. This award is another one that is not clear cut. The finalists came down to Honor Code, Liam's Map and Tonalist.

Tonalist was a model of consistency in 2015 – but only in New York. He won three of his seven starts during his four-year-old season but was defeated by each of the other contenders for this award on at least one occasion. Although he finished the year strong with a win in the grade one Cigar Mile, his fifth place effort in the Breeders’ Cup Classic and his losses against these rivals will prevent him from getting this award.

Although Liam’s Map was absolutely brilliant and won a pair of grade ones – including a record-setting victory in the Breeders’ Cup Mile – his lone loss of the season will likely keep him from being granted this honor. That loss came in his only start against Honor Code, in which that rival defeated him by a neck in the grade one Whitney Stakes. Despite only four starts on the year, Liam’s Map had one of the most impressive seasons of any older dirt mile but in his only meeting with Honor Code, he was beaten by that competitor.

Honor Code’s season was far from perfect, but when he was at his best, he was the best. From six starts, he won three – including wins in the Met Mile and Whitney. Although he tailed off at the end of the season, finishing third in the Kelso Handicap and Breeders’ Cup Classic, he defeated both Tonalist and Liam’s Map at least once this year.

Older Dirt Female: Beholder

Unlike its male counterpart, this category is an easy decision. Beholder was untouchable in five starts, including a dominant victory against males in the Pacific Classic. Like she was in each of her races in 2015, she is the runaway winner here.

Male Sprinter: Runhappy

This is another straightforward category. Runhappy won six consecutive races from July to December, including four graded stakes. Among those wins were victories in the King’s Bishop Stakes (gr. I), Breeders’ Cup Sprint (gr. I) and Malibu Stakes (gr. I).

Runhappy

Female Sprinter: La Verdad

This division is not as clear-cut as its male counterpart, but is hard to ignore La Verdad’s season. She won five races this year – all of which were stakes, and three of which were graded. Although she finished off the board in the Honorable Miss Handicap (gr. II) and Fall Highweight Handicap (gr. III), she was a valiant second in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (gr. I). She was defeated by Wavell Avenue in the Breeders’ Cup, but that was that rival’s only stakes win and La Verdad defeated her in the Gallant Bloom Handicap (gr. II).

Turf Male: The Pizza Man

This award comes down to a battle between The Pizza Man and Big Blue Kitten. The former has four wins on the year, whereas the latter has three – both of them out of six total starts. They faced each other twice and although Big Blue Kitten crossed the wire ahead of The Pizza Man in the Breeders’ Cup Turf (gr. I) – finishing third while the Illinois-bred finished fifth – The Pizza Man won the Arlington Million (gr. I) over Big Blue Kitten. The Pizza Man had one less grade one win in 2015 than his rival, but made one final push when shipping to Southern California to take the Hollywood Turf Cup Stakes (gr. II).

The Pizza Man

Turf Female: Tepin

While Stephanie’s Kitten would certainly be a deserving winner of this award, I must choose Tepin. The Bernstein filly won five of her seven starts this, including three grade ones – among them a win against males in the Breeders’ Cup Mile (gr. I).

Steeplechase: Dawalan

Dawalan is likely to earn this award, though Bob Le Beau is his top competitor. Bob Le Beau won four of his six starts in 2015 – three of which were grade ones. However, in his two losses, he finished off the board – including a lackluster fifth in the final grade one of the steeplechase season.

Although Dawalan raced only three times this year, he made the most of it. His first start of the year came in September’s Lonesome Glory Hurdle Handicap (gr. I) at Belmont, in which he finished third – beaten 1 ½ lengths – behind Bob Le Beau. He then won both the Grand National Hurdle Stakes (gr. I) and the Colonial Cup Stakes (gr. I) – the latter in which he won by 5 ¼ lengths, defeating Bob Le Beau, who finished fifth.

Owner: Ken and Sarah Ramsey

Zayat Stables and the Ramseys both raced horses that earned a total of more than $9 million in 2015 – and although Zayat Stables had more than 400 fewer starters than the Ramseys – $8,288,800 of Zayat Stables’ earnings were courtesy of American Pharoah. Ramsey-owned horses won several graded stakes races with a variety of horses this year, including the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf (gr. I) with Stephanie’s Kitten.

Breeder: Ken and Sarah Ramsey

While the Zayats may end up with this award for breeding American Pharoah, other breeders had a greater season overall with multiple successful horses. Although the breeders’ standings are a close call between Ken and Sarah Ramsey and Darley, the Ramseys bred one more 2015 grade one winner than Darley – including a Breeders’ Cup winner – and ended the year with a slightly larger amount of earnings.

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

While Bob Baffet certainly deserves recognition for his conditioning of American Pharoah and his winners of 22 total graded stakes, Todd Pletcher leads trainers by earnings, having trained horses that earned more than a total of $26 million in 2015. He is also the leading trainer by graded stakes wins, having trained horses that won a total of 47 graded stakes.

Jockey: Javier Castellano

While consideration can certainly be given to Victor Espinoza for his historic accomplishments aboard American Pharoah, the sheer numbers of Javier Castellano’s year blow the other riders out of the water. He won 344 races, 48 of which were in graded stakes, and accumulated earnings of more than $28 million – more than any other American jockey in 2015.

Apprentice Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione

While Eric Cancel managed to win more than 100 races with total earnings of more than $5 million while riding on the tough New York circuit, Tyler Gaffalione made a name for himself in Florida. He had nearly double the amount of starters Cancel did, therefore winning 246 races and earning more than $6 million. Angel Cruz, however, earned more than $7 million with ten less wins than Gaffalione. But Gaffalione – unlike Cancel and Cruz – garnered a graded stakes win in 2015 while piloting Cali Star in the Rampart Stakes (gr. III).

HRN: My Eclipse Award Selections

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

My Eclipse Award Selections


"The Eclipse Awards are notorious for igniting heated debates among the racing industry as it is discussed which horses are worthy of receiving awards. Press members and racing fans argue among each other ardently about these awards, but rightfully so, as each recipient of an Eclipse Award will forever have a guaranteed place in the history books. 

Below are the horses I would choose for each Eclipse Award. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: Mary Cage's Eclipse Award Selections

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Mary Cage's Eclipse Award Selections

"Held each January, the Eclipse Award ceremony honors the elite horses and humans of the industry, bestowing the best of each division their own award. Each year, some championship categories contain a clear winner, whereas others can become contentious areas of debate and suspense. The awards for 2013’s racing season, which will be held January 18 at Gulfstream Park, are no different.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but here are my choices for the 42nd annual Eclipse Awards. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

2012 Eclipse Award Choices

Held each January, the Eclipse Award ceremony honors the elite horses and humans of the industry, bestowing the best of each division their own award. Each year, some championship categories contain a clear winner, whereas others can become contentious areas of debate and suspense. The awards for 2012’s racing season, which will be held January 19 at Gulfstream Park, are no different.

Two-Year-Old Male: Shanghai Bobby

This Todd Pletcher trainee is an obvious winner of this award. Undefeated in five starts, his win in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (gr. I) secures him as this year’s Champion Two-Year-Old Male.

Two-Year-Old Filly: Beholder

Prior to the running of the Hollywood Starlet Stakes (gr. I), this division garnered much controversy. Had Executiveprivilege made up the length she was beaten by Beholder in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (gr. I), there would not be much debate over this award. However, when Beholder – who had been defeated a mere nose by Executiveprivilege in the Del Mar Debutante Stakes (gr. I) – turned the tables on Executiveprivilege, this category became a difficult decision. But Executiveprivilege’s poor performance in the Starlet leaves Beholder the likely honoree of this award.

Three-Year-Old Male: I’ll Have Another

In a division that seemed to end several months early, I’ll Have Another is the irrefutable recipient of this accolade. With a flawless 2012 record that includes three grade one victories, highlighted by the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) and Preakness Stakes (gr. I), I’ll Have Another is the obvious champ.

Three-Year-Old Filly: Questing

Had My Miss Aurelia been victorious in the La Brea Stakes (gr. I), this division would become an even more heated discussion, as both My Miss Aurelia and Questing would have two grade one victories for 2012. Though My Miss Aurelia defeated Questing both times they faced each other this year, she only narrowly defeated her in the Cotillion Stakes (gr. I) while carrying less weight than Questing and the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (gr. I) clearly can have a line drawn through it for Questing. Both fillies are outstanding athletes, but Questing raced nearly twice as many times as My Miss Aurelia this year and captured a pair of grade ones whereas the talented My Miss Aurelia only triumphed in one. This award could go either way, but my choice is Questing.

Older Male: Wise Dan

In a rather contentious division, the dazzling Wise Dan looks to be the recipient of this award for his three grade one wins – including a Breeders’ Cup victory – and overall brilliance. However, respect should be given to Little Mike – winner of three grade ones, including two of the most prestigious turf races on the continent – and Point of Entry – also a victor of three grade ones. Also, Fort Larned and Game On Dude, with four grade ones between them this year, should garner respect.

Older Female: Groupie Doll

Though the outstanding Royal Delta may very well win this award, as her distaff campaign that saw her compete in middle distance races is more “fashionable” than sprints, Groupie Doll holds three 2012 grade one victories versus Royal Delta’s two. Both are very much deserving of this award and with greater weight placed upon the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (gr. I) than the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (gr. I), the breathtaking Royal Delta will likely be crowned the winner of this honor, though my choice would be Groupie Doll.

Male Sprinter: Trinniberg

With the most graded stakes wins of any elite sprinter, as well as a victory in the division’s championship race, Trinniberg looks to be the recipient of this award. Stellar throughout the first half of 2012, Trinniberg tailed off, only to come back with a win in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (gr. I). Although there is no true standout in this category, Trinniberg is as close to one as there is.

Female Sprinter: Groupie Doll

Choosing an honoree for this award is as simple as it gets. With her utter dominance of this division in 2012, Groupie Doll is the obvious winner of this prize.

Turf Male: Little Mike

Wise Dan will likely win this award, but if I had a vote, it would be for Little Mike. Each have three grade one victories over the turf this year, but Little Mike captured perhaps the two most renowned turf races in North America – the Arlington Million (gr. I) and the Breeders’ Cup Turf (gr. I) – as well as the esteemed Woodford Reserve Turf Classic Stakes (gr. I). He became the initial United States-based horse to capture both the Arlington Million and the Breeders’ Cup Turf in the same year. In addition, Little Mike raced solely on turf in 2012 whereas Wise Dan contested over three different surfaces. Point of Entry, runner-up in the Turf and also a winner of three turf grade ones, should also receive some respect. Though the deserving, brilliant Wise Dan is the probable winner of this award, Little Mike would get my vote.

Turf Female: Zagora

Among the best female turf runners throughout the entire year, Zagora only has one grade one victory this season, but won three other graded stakes and finished in the money in two additional grade ones. Most importantly, Zagora won the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (gr. I), defeating the other candidates for this award. Having displayed class throughout her season prior to culminating it with a win in the division’s championship race, Zagora is my choice for Champion Turf Female. However, respect should also be given to Marketing Mix and Lady of Shamrock.

Steeplechase: Pierrot Lunaire

This division serves as one of the toughest decisions of the Eclipse Awards. Primarily an argument between Demonstrative and Pierrot Lunaire, those two lead this division in number of grade one victories. Both horses have two grade one victories this year, but Pierrot Lunaire not only earned more money, but also crossed the wire ahead of Demonstrative each time they faced each other in 2012, though conditions may not have been pleasant for Demonstrative. This award could easily go to either horse, but my choice would be Pierrot Lunaire.

Owner: Midwest Thoroughbreds, Inc.

Midwest Thoroughbreds may have the most starts of any owner (by far), but they lead in wins, second-place finishes, third-place finishes, and total amount of money earned, again, by far. The operation boasts an impressive 29% winning percentage and 62% in-the-money percentage despite having more than 1,800 starts this year. In addition, Richard and Karen Papiese's Midwest Thoroughbreds set the record for amount of single-season wins with their total of 542 wins in 2012.

Breeder: Adena Springs

The recipient of this award every year since 2004 aside from 2009, Adena Springs certainly made many more starts than other breeding operations, but Frank Stronach’s farm is the clear leader in number of victories and total earnings. Game On Dude was among the notable horses of 2012 bred by Adena Springs.

Jockey: Ramon Dominguez

Another contentious category, this division seems to be mostly a debate over Ramon Dominguez, Javier Castellano, and John Velazquez. But with the most victories in 2012 and the greatest amount of total earnings, as well as a 24% win percentage, Ramon Dominguez is my selection.

Apprentice Jockey: Jose Montano

A rather debatable division, this category appears to be primarily between Jose Montano and Angel Suarez. Though Suarez has more total earnings as an apprentice, he only earned $83,863 more than Montano, who garnered 62 more victories as an apprentice than Suarez.

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

A five-time winner of this award, Todd Pletcher leads trainers in total earnings and victories while maintaining a strong win percentage of 27% and a large amount of grade one wins.  One of the most contentious divisions of the upcoming Eclipse Awards, strong cases can be made for several trainers, including Dale Romans, Bob Baffert, and Chad Brown. This award is rather wide open.

Horse of the Year: Wise Dan

In a division abounding with deserving winners, such as Little Mike, Point of Entry, Royal Delta, Groupie Doll, and Fort Larned, Wise Dan’s versatility and brilliance that was evident in his five victories will likely earn him racing’s highest annual honor. Wise Dan is my choice and the likely 2012 Horse of the Year. For more on this award, click here.

Wise Dan
Photo by Terri Cage

2012 Horse of the Year Candidates

The debate over which elite Thoroughbred should be voted 2012 Horse of the Year is not a heated argument over two great racehorses like Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta, or Blame and Zenyatta. Rather, several equine athletes seem to have formed an impressive enough campaign to take home racing’s highest annual honor, leaving the decision wide open, though one horse appears to be the probable recipient of the award.

Wise Dan

The top contender for this prestigious award, Wise Dan seems to be the probable 2012 Horse of the Year. The brilliant chestnut did not begin the 2012 season until April, when he annihilated his rivals by 10 ½ lengths, setting a new track record over Keeneland’s Polytrack in the Ben Ali Stakes (GIII).

Wise Dan
Photo by Terri Cage

Wise Dan’s sole defeat of the year came in his second start of the season, the Stephen Foster Handicap (GI). A victim of a rather difficult trip, the Charles Lopresti trainee finished a mere head behind the talented Ron the Greek. Wise Dan returned to the turf next out, running away with the Fourstardave Handicap (GII) at Saratoga. Following two brilliant grade one victories going one mile on the grass, Wise Dan faced one of the toughest Breeders’ Cup fields in the Breeders’ Cup Mile (GI), galloping to a radiant 1 ½-length triumph, setting a new course record of 1:31.78. 

With victories on turf and synthetic, as well as a remarkable runner-up finish on the dirt, Wise Dan has displayed a great amount of versatility in 2012. Of the five victories this gelding garnered this year, three occurred in grade one company, granting him with a total of $2,622,037 in earnings for 2012. As a result of the brilliant versatility he exhibited throughout the year, combined with his three grade one victories and two track/course records, Wise Dan would be my choice for 2012 Horse of the Year and is the likely inheritor of this renowned award.

Groupie Doll

Never finishing out of the money this year, Groupie Doll began 2012 in allowance optional claiming company, finishing second at that level against males at Gulfstream Park, crossing the wire behind the grade one-winning Boys at Tosconova. Following a distant third behind Awesome Maria and Royal Delta in the Sabin Stakes (GIII) going a mile and one-sixteenth, Groupie Doll ran third to reigning Champion Female Sprinter, Musical Romance, in the Inside Information Stakes (GII).

Groupie Doll
Photo by Terri Cage

Groupie Doll achieved her first victory of the season next out in the Vinery Madison Stakes (GI) at Keeneland, romping by 3 lengths. She was even more impressive next out in the Humana Distaff Stakes (GI), which she captured by 7 ¼ lengths in track record time. She was briefly sidelined by a minor injury, but returned to her brilliance without a problem, winning a pair of grade two events by a combined 10 ¼ lengths over synthetic surfaces.

Groupie Doll’s biggest win of 2012 came in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (GI), in which the filly raced against a speed bias to close for a 4 ½-length triumph. Though that race was intended to be her final of the season, Groupie Doll remained keen and thus contested against males in the Cigar Mile Handicap (GI) at Aqueduct, in which the gifted filly was beat a scant nose by the grade one-winning Stay Thirsty.

This filly has been among the most intense of top horses this year, displaying sheer brilliance in most of her starts. With a track record performance and wins on both dirt and synthetic, Groupie Doll has exhibited great versatility for a horse that is primarily restricted to one-turn races. However, with a loss in the Cigar Mile to culminate her 2012 campaign and the label of “female sprinter” stacked against her, Groupie Doll is not likely to be voted Horse of the Year, though she will be a runaway winner of the Champion Female Sprinter award.

Little Mike

Despite stringing together a win-lose-win pattern throughout the year, Little Mike formed one of the most impressive résumés of any horse in 2012, three of his four wins occurring in a grade one contest. Commencing the year with a win in the Sunshine Millions Turf Stakes, Little Mike then finished fourth in the Canadian Turf Stakes (GIII).

Little Mike
Photo by Terri Cage

Little Mike’s initial grade one triumph of the season came in the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic Stakes (GI), which the gelding won by 2 ½ lengths. He then shipped to Hollywood Park, where he finished third in the Shoemaker Mile Stakes (GI). Little Mike maintained the pattern he had been forming by taking one of the most renowned turf races in the world next out, the Arlington Million Stakes (GI).

A yielding turf course saw Little Mike turn in his worst performance of the year in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational Stakes (GI), in which the gelding crossed the wire in fifth, but a return to a firm turf course added to the bay’s collection of prestigious victories. On one of the biggest stages in racing, Little Mike called upon his undeniable heart to defeat a deep field in the second richest race in the North America, the Breeders’ Cup Turf (GI).

Little Mike is very much worthy of an Eclipse Award, but with a horse like Wise Dan that has captured the nation with his stunning brilliance, this hard-trying gelding just may not receive any year-end championship awards. He will be a champion in the minds of many and though deserving of Horse of the Year, Little Mike will not be honored with Thoroughbred racing’s most coveted annual award.

I’ll Have Another

We’ll never know what I’ll Have Another could have accomplished after the Preakness Stakes (GI). However, his accomplishments prior to the tendon injury that concluded his career before he had the chance to make history in the Belmont Stakes (GI) will certainly grant him a fair share of Horse of the Year votes.

Commencing 2012 with an easy longshot victory in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes (GIII), I’ll Have Another continued his winning ways for the remainder of his brief career. His first grade one of the season occurred in the Santa Anita Derby (GI), a race in which the son of Flower Alley battled the talented Creative Cause to prevail by a narrow margin. But it was his next two races that give him hope for being named 2012 Horse of the Year.

I’ll Have Another maintained his winning streak in the Kentucky Derby (GI), taking the esteemed race by 1 ½ lengths in the fastest final time for the mile and one-quarter event since 2008. Battling his rival, Bodemeister, yet again next out in the Preakness, I’ll Have Another showed great perseverance to prevail by a neck. Triple Crown hopes were pinned upon the horse, but a tendon issue led him to be withdrawn from the Belmont and retired.

I’ll Have Another is among the leaders in amount of 2012 grade one victories, with three to his credit, and despite only racing during the first half of the season, I’ll Have Another is the third-leading earner of 2012. Among the advantages I’ll Have Another has on his side is his lack of defeats. However, the name of this award is Horse of the Year and due to his injury, I’ll Have Another only participated the first half of the year. He will earn an Eclipse Award, but, despite how elite his brief campaign was, I would not vote for I’ll Have Another as Horse of the Year.

Point of Entry

A Phipps Stable homebred, this colt began 2012 in allowance company, earning his first graded stakes victory in the Elkhorn Stakes (GII) in April. He then reeled off three consecutive grade one victories – all over turf courses in New York. Point of Entry captured the Man o’ War Stakes (GI), Sword Dancer Invitational Stakes (GI), and Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational Stakes (GI) by a combined 9 ¼ lengths.

But in the Breeders’ Cup, Point of Entry suffered his first loss since February, finishing a half-length behind Little Mike in the Breeders’ Cup Turf (GI). In spite of developing a stellar 2012 campaign, I do not foresee Point of Entry being voted Horse of the Year.

Point of Entry
Photo by Terri Cage

Royal Delta

Crowned as Champion Three-Year-Old Filly of 2011, Royal Delta began her 2012 campaign with two disappointing results: a distant second in the Sabin Stakes (GIII) and a troubled ninth in the Dubai World Cup (GI). But upon her return to American racing after the Dubai World Cup, we saw the continuance of the brilliance Royal Delta had displayed in 2011.

Royal Delta
Photo by Terri Cage

In stunning fashion, Royal Delta took the Fleur de Lis Handicap (GII) by 8 lengths prior to scoring a tenacious victory in the Delaware Handicap (GII). Following a game runner-up performance in the Personal Ensign Handicap (GI), Royal Delta ran away with the Beldame Invitational Stakes (GI), conquering the field by 9 ½ lengths.

In what many viewed as the toughest field of the 2012 Breeders’ Cup, Royal Delta looked to defend her title in the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (GI). Digging deep and prevailing with her tremendous class, the daughter of Empire Maker captured the race by 1 ½ lengths. However, despite her stellar latter part of the season and breathtaking Ladies’ Classic victory, I do not foresee Royal Delta being honored Horse of the Year with just two grade one victories to her credit this year.

Fort Larned

Fort Larned’s first half of the season isn’t exactly an orthodox array of races for a horse being considered for Horse of the Year. A month after the colt finished fourth in a handicap at Tampa Bay Downs, Fort Larned won the Challenger Stakes before he won the Skip Away Stakes (GIII) in track record-breaking style.

Fort Larned
Photo by Terri Cage

After finishing second in the Alysheba Stakes (GII), Fort Larned faded to finish last in the Stephen Foster Handicap (GI) after a poor trip. He redeemed himself with an easy win in the Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap (GIII), forming a winning streak by taking the Whitney Invitational Handicap (GI) at Saratoga by 1 ¼ lengths.

In his first ten-furlong try, Fort Larned contested in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (GI), weakening to finish third. But, of course, Fort Larned achieved his greatest victory when displaying tremendous persistence to capture the Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI). Despite capturing one of the biggest races of the year and two grade ones, Fort Larned will not be voted Horse of the Year, as his 2012 campaign has been slightly erratic, began on a less elite note than other candidates, and saw him capture less grade ones than other top contenders.

Who would I vote for as Horse of the Year? Wise Dan. Who do I think will be voted Horse of the Year? Wise Dan.

The Pedigree of a Champion: Royal Delta

What is the definition of a champion? Well, in horse racing, often a horse that is honored with an Eclipse Award. But to me, a champion is any horse that captures fans’ hearts and imaginations while inspiring them. A champion is no ordinary being. A champion is a hero. A champion is worth going through troubles to see. A champion will light up your eyes and bring a smile to your face. *^{See footnote}

Royal Delta
Photo by Terri Cage

Royal Delta fits each of those definitions. The 2011 Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (GI) winner was honored with the Eclipse Award for Champion Three-Year-Old Filly following a sophomore campaign that saw her capture three graded stakes races – two of which were grade ones. Yes, she is a champion by the horse racing definition, but she is also a champion in that she has captured the hearts and imaginations of many racing fans.

It’s easy to see why Royal Delta is so popular with race fans. When she’s on the top of her game she puts on a spectacular show, either displaying her brilliance with dominant victories or showing her grit and determination to prevail. Perhaps her action is not the most attractive, but at a standstill or in the post parade, Royal Delta is a great example of a stunning Thoroughbred.

But what makes her the tremendous Eclipse Award-winning champion she is? Of course, Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott has quite a bit to do with it, as well as the accomplished jockeys who have ridden her. But her success is, in large part, due to her breeding. Foaled in Kentucky on February 2, 2008, Royal Delta’s bloodlines certainly are royal.

Bred by Palides Investments N.V., Inc., Royal Delta is sired by Empire Maker, who won three grade ones throughout his career, including the Belmont Stakes (GI). In that Belmont, Empire Maker spoiled the Triple Crown bid of Funny Cide, a horse he had finished second to in the Kentucky Derby (GI). Empire Maker has not only produced Royal Delta, but also the grade one-winning Derby runner-ups like himself, Bodemeister and Pioneerof the Nile. The Juddmonte homebred is also the sire of the additional grade one winners Acoma, Country Star, Grace Hall, Icon Project, and Mushka.

Empire Maker is a son of the brilliant racehorse and sire Unbridled, who is a tremendous sire of sires. Other sons of the dual-classic winner that have gone on to be successful stallions include Broken Vow, Grindstone, and, of course, Unbridled’s Song. This is the Mr. Prospector sire line, which has interestingly produced the last four winners of the Ladies’ Classic.

Royal Delta is out of a mare that was quite successful at the track in Delta Princess. The mare, who was actually trained by Bill Mott as well, won three grade three races on the turf. Delta Princess is also the dam of Empire Way, a graded stakes-placed colt. Delta Princess herself is out of a productive broodmare, being a daughter of a mare who also yielded the grade/group one-winning runners Biondetti and Indy Five Hundred, in addition to the sire A.P. Delta. Intriguingly, Royal Delta’s third dam, the multiple grade one-winning Proud Delta, was the Champion Older Mare of 1976.

Why stop there? It must not be ignored that Royal Delta’s broodmare sire is the great A.P. Indy, who is a renowned sire and sire of sires. Yet, he is also a productive damsire, having sired the dams of such grade one winners as Bluegrass Cat, Mr. Sidney, Plum Pretty, Super Saver, and Wait a While. As if his roll of grade one winners produced as a broodmare sire wasn’t impressive enough, A.P. Indy has been among the top twenty-five damsires on the continent for the past six years, peaking at number four last year.

A.P. Indy
Photo by Terri Cage

Notably, the sire of Royal Delta’s second dam is the great Lyphard, a son of Northern Dancer who was the leading sire in not just North America, but France and Great Britain as well. The sire of 115 stakes winners, Lyphard was the broodmare sire of such grade one winners as Hatoof, Passinetti, and Skimming.

Royal Delta has the true makings of a champion. Her pedigree, combined with her charisma, brilliance, and accomplished connections, aid her in being a tremendous racehorse – one that delights fans with her triumphs and appeal. With hopes and dreams attached, we await the rest of this spectacular filly’s racing career and once it is over, we can only hope that her remarkable bloodlines hold up in assisting her in producing more Thoroughbreds like herself.

Royal Delta
Photo by Terri Cage

*Sentences 4-7 from my post “To See a Champion,” dated September 30, 2011

As for Royal Delta, I believe her gritty win in the July 21 Delaware Handicap (GII) was much more impressive than people are giving her credit for. She should not be knocked for the short margin of victory over a mare claimed to be mediocre, as Tiz Miz Sue is not only a classy graded stakes winner, but Royal Delta was carrying TEN more pounds than her. In addition, Royal Delta showed what I view as the most important characteristic in a racehorse: heart.

Remember to like Past the Grandstand on Facebook and follow Past the Grandstand on Twitter! Links can be found on the right side of the blog.