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.

Mare Madness

On January 22, one of the most anticipated occurrences of 2011 happened: 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra delivered a colt by 2007 & 2008 Horse of the Year Curlin. The bay colt was born at Stonestreet Farm in Kentucky and once word was announced that the 125-pound foal was born, there was much excitement among the Thoroughbred industry and its fans.

It was also announced that Rachel would be bred in 2012 to the 2006 Champion Three-Year-Old Male Bernardini, who is also famous for being the first stud that 2010 Horse of the Year Zenyatta was bred to. Also visiting Bernardini in 2012 is 2010 Champion Three-Year-Old Filly Blind Luck. 

As for Zenyatta, the incredible mare is expected to deliver her Bernardini foal at Lane’s End Farm in early March. It has not yet been announced what stallion Zenyatta will be bred to this year.

Many fans – including me – find it remarkable that three of the greatest females to race in the past decade – Blind Luck, Rachel Alexandra, and Zenyatta – will eventually have Bernardini offspring. However, it is not surprising, as Bernardini is a very productive stallion, having sired four group or grade one winners since he entered stud in 2007. He is also one of the most expensive stallions at stud, standing for $150,000.

Here’s to wishing for healthy mares and foals, as well as offspring that will go on to do great things!

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2010 Champion Three-Year-Old Filly Blind Luck
Photo: Terri Cage

2010 Horse of the Year Zenyatta
Photo: Terri Cage

Who's Horse of the Year?

Though there is still over a month of 2011 left, the discussion of which horse will be crowned Horse of the Year is gracing headlines of many racing publications. Though there are some divisional championships that need no discussion, there is plenty of confusion over many of the awards, including the most coveted of them all: Horse of the Year.

The past two years, Horse of the Year has been a raging debate that included a great mare by the name of Zenyatta. Fans of Rachel Alexandra, Blame, and Zenyatta argued over which horse should be named Horse of the Year, giving plenty of reasons as to why they were on the side they were on.

This year won’t be such a heated debate, however. Though lacking the battle between horses like the debate of 2009 Horse of the Year and 2010 Horse of the Year featured, 2011 Horse of the Year is still a tough decision. As we look back on the 2011 racing season, it is very unclear. By the conclusion of the Breeders’ Cup, no horse emerged as the top horse in the nation. Voters have a tough decision to make. Though there are plenty of horses deserving of this award, I have listed just five contenders for Horse of the Year in alphabetical order.

Drosselmeyer
Photo: Terri Cage

Drosselmeyer: He’s no longer the forgotten Belmont Stakes (GI) winner. Drosselmeyer is now one of the first horses that comes to mind when one thinks of the top horses in the nation. Of course, this is due to his recent Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI) win under Mike Smith. Though Drosselmeyer recorded the most prestigious win of all the Horse of the Year contenders, he does not have enough on his résumé to take home the award. His only other win this year came in the $60,000 One Count Stakes at Belmont Park. Despite the fact that he defeated eventual grade two winner Birdrun (who would defeat Drosselmeyer next out), grade three victor Inherit the Gold, multiple stakes winner Alma d’Oro, eventual Breeders’ Cup Marathon (GII) winner Afleet Again, and stakes winner Edgewater, the race was not Horse of the Year material. One of Drosselmeyer’s most impressive performances this year was a closing second to Flat Out in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (GI) prior to the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Though I think Drosselmeyer is the best older horse in the country, I do not believe he has enough credentials to earn Horse of the Year, let alone Older Male.

Game on Dude
Photo by Mary Cage

Game on Dude: Excluding Drosselmeyer, who likely will not receive Horse of the Year, Game on Dude had the best Classic finish of the top Horse of the Year candidates. In the Classic, he finished a hard-trying second and was just passed in the final strides. He defeated the talented filly Havre de Grace, who is considered the top choice for Horse of the Year by many, by a length and a half. He won two grade ones this year, the Santa Anita Handicap and the Goodwood Stakes. He missed out on winning three grade ones by just a nose when stablemate First Dude nipped him at the wire in the Hollywood Gold Cup Hanidcap. Game on Dude finished out of the top three just once in eight starts this year, when he finished fourth over a track he did not care for in the TVG Pacific Classic Stakes (GI). Only three of his races were not grade ones: his impressive win in an allowance optional claiming at Santa Anita, his second place finish in the Charles Town Classic Stakes (GIII), and his third place finish in the Lone Star Park Handicap (GIII). Game on Dude was on the scene all year, competing at the highest level. In fact, his last four starts were all grade ones. Unfortunately, I do not believe Game on Dude will be voted Horse of the Year, but if I could vote, I would choose Game on Dude for his success and competitiveness at the highest level all year.

Havre de Grace
Photo by Mary Cage

Havre de Grace: Many of the people who are claiming Horse of the Year a mess are also claiming that they believe Havre de Grace will be Horse of the Year. Though she is not on the same level as the past two female winners of Horse of the Year (Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta), the daughter of Saint Liam is very talented. Of all Horse of the Year candidates, she had the most grade one wins. However, her Breeders’ Cup performance wasn’t quite worthy of Horse of the Year. Like Game on Dude, three of Havre de Grace’s starts were not grade ones. Two of those three were wins. The one that was not was a loss to champion Blind Luck. Though Havre de Grace won three grade ones this year, including a win against males in the Woodward Stakes (GI), her race against the best in the Breeders’ Cup Classic was not what she needed to secure Horse of the Year. She was defeated by three lengths in the Classic, with Drosselmeyer, Game on Dude, and Ruler on Ice finishing ahead of her. Zenyatta may have won Horse of the Year despite losing the Breeders’ Cup Classic last year, but she was only beaten by half a head. I believe Havre de Grace will come away with the title of Horse of the Year and though I don’t think she is as deserving as Game on Dude, I do think she is plenty worthy of the award.

My Miss Aurelia
Photo: Terri Cage

My Miss Aurelia: I’ve followed this special filly since the post parade before her maiden race. She is one of many deserving Horse of the Year contenders. In fact, she could have the best credentials of all of them. She’s undefeated, a winner of three graded stakes, a dual grade one winner, and a dominant Breeders’ Cup champion. She had a flawless campaign and in four starts, she had a total winning margin of nine and three-quarters lengths (an average winning margin of nearly two and one-half lengths). I believe My Miss Aurelia is a very deserving Horse of the Year. However, it is unlikely that a two-year-old will be voted Horse of the Year.

Royal Delta: In what I saw as one of the most impressive Breeders’ Cup victories, Royal Delta won the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (GI) by two and one-half lengths. Her other grade one win besides that championship win was a dominant win in the TVG Alabama Stakes (GI) at Saratoga. Royal Delta’s other graded stakes appearances include a win in the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (GII), a third place finish in the TVG Coaching Club American Oaks (GI), and a second place finish to Havre de Grace in the Beldame Invitational Stakes (GI). The main thing that will prevent Royal Delta from winning Horse of the Year is her eight and one-quarter-length loss to Havre de Grace in the Beldame. Royal Delta will not be Horse of the Year, but she will be Champion Three-Year-Old Filly.

Royal Delta
Photo: Terri Cage

All of the mentioned horses are very talented. However, as mentioned, if I could vote, my vote would go to Game on Dude. It’s a tough decision for me between My Miss Aurelia and Game on Dude, but I believe as an older horse, Game on Dude has an edge over My Miss Aurelia. There are also the extremely talented and multiple grade one-winning turf horses Acclamation and Cape Blanco. Yet, I don’t think these horses will be crowned the champion of the year. Likely, Havre de Grace will become the third female in a row to be voted 2011 Horse of the Year.

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