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

The 2012 Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic

By Mary Cage

Ask any racing fan what race they view as the most competitive of this year’s Breeders’ Cup and there is a very good chance that their answer will be the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (GI). Featuring a field loaded with fillies and mares – including three champions that already have Breeders’ Cup triumphs to their credit – ready for the fight of their lives, this race could go down in the history books as one of the greatest Breeders’ Cup races to ever be run.

Royal Delta

Royal Delta
Photo by Terri Cage

The reigning victress of the Ladies’ Classic, Royal Delta began 2012 on a sour note, being soundly defeated in a graded stakes at Gulfstream prior to suffering a difficult journey and loss in the Dubai World Cup (GI). However, she returned to the United States with a flourish, running away with the Fleur de Lis Handicap (GII) at Churchill Downs by 8 lengths. Following a hard-fought victory in the Delaware Handicap (GII), Royal Delta finished second to Love and Pride in the Personal Ensign Stakes (GI) at Saratoga, resurging in the final stages of the race despite appearing seemingly done.

But next out, the champion proved her dominance. In the Beldame Invitational Stakes (GI), a race in which she’d been left in the wake of eventual Horse of the Year Havre de Grace last year, Royal Delta crushed the field – which included the grade one-winning It’s Tricky – by an astounding 9 ½ lengths. Treating the race like an everyday gallop, Royal Delta was kept under wraps by Mike Smith in the stretch.

When Royal Delta brings her A-game, the champion appears invincible. As the defending champion of the Ladies’ Classic, this is her race to lose and though she has never started over Santa Anita’s surface, she has a huge advantage with Mike Smith aboard. Without a doubt, she will have her work cut out for her amongst such remarkable opponents, but if she’s on her best game, Royal Delta will be difficult to beat.

Awesome Feather

One of three previous Breeders’ Cup champions in this race, Awesome Feather conquered the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (GI) at Churchill Downs. Plagued by injuries, this undefeated filly has only raced four times since then. Altogether, Awesome Feather has captured these four victories by a combined 24 ¼ lengths.

Awesome Feather
Photo by Terri Cage

Awesome Feather’s only graded stakes victory among her four outings since her Breeders’ Cup triumph came in the Gazelle Stakes (GI) at Aqueduct last November, in which she defeated a field that included Love and Pride by 5 ¼ lengths. Following a dominant victory in the Florida Sunshine Millions Distaff Stakes, Awesome Feather was sidelined again, but returned in September in the Nasty Storm Stakes at Belmont. In stunning fashion, the Chad Brown trainee ran her flawless record to ten victories en route to a jaw-dropping 11 ¼-length romp in an impressive final time of 1:33.47 for one mile.

Over the past two years, Awesome Feather has been very lightly raced and has only contested against grade one company once. However, there is a certainly quality to this filly that makes her a very dangerous competitor: her sheer brilliance. I believe we do not yet know just how good Awesome Feather is.

My Miss Aurelia

A filly I have followed since her maiden, My Miss Aurelia is another undefeated champion entered in the Ladies’ Classic. Winner of last year’s Juvenile Fillies, My Miss Aurelia was sidelined due to injury following her spectacular win under the Twin Spires last November and, like Awesome Feather, has only been seen a handful of times since then. In fact, My Miss Aurelia has only raced twice since being crowned Champion Two-Year-Old Filly, having returned to the races this August.

My Miss Aurelia
Photo by Terri Cage

That return came in the Mandys Gold Stakes at Saratoga, which My Miss Aurelia won by 3 lengths going six furlongs. Next out, she faced Questing – who was coming off two spectacular grade one victories at the Spa – in the Cotillion Stakes (GI) at Parx. In a stirring stretch battle, My Miss Aurelia prevailed by a head to keep her undefeated record intact.

My Miss Aurelia is one of the most talented horses I have seen firsthand and I find it very impressive that she was able to reel in Questing in her second race after a layoff, though she did not carry as much weight. It is worrisome that My Miss Aurelia is entering the Breeders’ Cup off of such a tough race that was just her second since her return, but the filly appears to be in great condition. Another worry is that perhaps the nine-furlong distance of the Ladies’ Classic is a bit too far for her. However, this is My Miss Aurelia and I will never doubt her talent. It will be interesting to see how she fares against this star-studded field.

Questing

This Kiaran McLaughlin trainee began her career in the United Kingdom and following a fifth-place finish in last year’s Juvenile Fillies, Questing began her sophomore campaign with mediocre performances in allowance optional claiming events prior to an easy breakthrough win at that level.

Questing
Photo by Terri Cage

But then we saw the filly she had transformed into. Questing dived back into the grade one pool with a splash, galloping to an easy 4 ¼-length victory in the Coaching Club American Oaks (GI) at Saratoga despite drifting out in the stretch. Proving that this was no fluke, Questing annihilated rivals next out in the Alabama Stakes (GI), running erratically in the stretch yet again but capturing the race by an imposing 9 lengths in an impressive final time of 2:01.29 for ten furlongs.

Questing fell a head short to My Miss Aurelia in her successive start, the Cotillion Stakes. Rather than setting the pace as she had in her past two victories, Questing settled off the leader and while carrying seven pounds less than My Miss Aurelia, she missed by a head after a gutsy stretch duel.

It seems that Questing has been forgotten since her winning streak was snapped, but this filly should certainly not be erased from memory. She is absolutely brilliant and can use her speed as a deadly weapon. As a filly with both speed and stamina, Questing will play a large role in the outcome of the Ladies’ Classic.

Love and Pride

A daughter of the great A.P. Indy, Love and Pride commenced 2012 on the right note, dominating a stakes at Aqueduct by 7 lengths. Following three defeats in graded company – two of which were runner-up finishes – Love and Pride broke through with her first graded stakes victory, winning the Obeah Stakes (GIII) by nearly two lengths over Tiz Miz Sue, who would give Royal Delta a run for her money next out in the Delaware Handicap. However, Love and Pride crossed the wire fourth in the “Del Cap.”

But she avenged that loss with her first grade one victory in her subsequent race, defeating Royal Delta by a half-length in the Personal Ensign Handicap (GI). However, it must be pointed out that Royal Delta was carrying ten pounds more than Love and Pride, who then shipped west for a trip around Santa Anita’s dirt oval, easily winning the Zenyatta Stakes (GI) by 3 ¼ lengths after setting the pace.

Love and Pride seems to be underestimated by many, but I give her a good chance in this race. After all, she is a dual grade one winner with a victory at Santa Anita already under her belt. However, the Ladies’ Classic will be a very tall task for her and she will have to pull out all the stops to secure a victory.

Include Me Out

Arguably the best female Thoroughbred on the West Coast this year, Include Me Out won her first three starts in 2012 – all of which came in graded stakes. Not only did one of these triumphs include a romp in the Santa Margarita Invitational Stakes (GI), but two of these victories came at Santa Anita.

After finishing second in the Vanity Handicap (GI) at Hollywood Park, Include Me Out displayed her determination with a conquest of the Clement L. Hirsch Stakes (GI) at Del Mar prior running third in the Zenyatta. But this loss should not be held against her, as Include Me Out has been tremendously consistent this year and has plenty of experience over the dirt track at Santa Anita. Despite the fact that she will be facing three champions and several other brilliant fillies and mares, Include Me Out should not be ignored.

Grace Hall

One of the best two-year-old fillies in the nation last year, Grace Hall’s final start as a two-year-old resulted in a second-place finish behind My Miss Aurelia in the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies. Following a narrow loss in her 2012 debut, Grace Hall romped in the Gulfstream Oaks (GII) in preparation for the Kentucky Oaks (GI), in which she finished third.

Grace Hall did not race for two months after the Kentucky Oaks, but returned with an easy win in the Delaware Oaks (GII). However, the filly finished fifth as the beaten favorite in the Alabama, crossing the wire 31 lengths behind Questing. But she then reverted to her dominant winning ways, capturing the Indiana Oaks (GII) by 5 ¾ lengths.

Grace Hall is certainly among the best in her division, but when pitted against the very best, she has failed to turn in her best performance. She is undoubtedly a gifted athlete capable of tremendous performances, but I do not believe she will win the Ladies’ Classic.

The Ladies’ Classic certainly has a plethora of suspense and excitement surrounding it, offering one of the best fields of the entire 2012 Breeders’ Cup. I can envision many outcomes to this race, as it has gathered one of the best groups I have ever seen in a Breeders’ Cup event. I will give the nod to Royal Delta, but certainly would not be surprised to see Awesome Feather, My Miss Aurelia, or Questing enter the winner’s enclosure following this race. In addition, I am expecting good performances from Love and Pride and Include Me Out and certainly will not forget about Grace Hall. Regardless of how this race plays out, I am surely looking forward to it and will revel in the presence of these spectacular fillies.

Three-Year-Old Fillies Roundup

Girl power has been a recurrent theme in horse racing as of late. The sophomore filly division has been very interesting and competitive in the past few years, producing some of the most talented fillies in recent years, such as Blind Luck, Rachel Alexandra, Rags to Riches, and Ashado. The three-year-old filly class does not have a spectacular standout this year, but is a competitive division nonetheless.

Many things have changed since my last roundup of this division, which came at the end of January. Here is a look at several of the top three-year-old fillies in the nation:

Agave Kiss: This filly’s undefeated record was snapped in her seventh start, a dull fifth-place finish in the Victory Ride Stakes (GIII). A filly I have followed since her maiden victory, Agave Kiss is much better than she showed in the Victory Ride. However, with just one graded stakes victory to her credit, Agave Kiss will need to step it up to be competitive at the grade one level. She is, of course, a sprinter and not a filly suited for nine furlongs or the classic distance.

Believe You Can: The Kentucky Oaks (GI) winner turned in a rather disappointing third-place finish in the Mother Goose Stakes (GI), being defeated by 9 ¼ lengths. Believe You Can's most recent work was a one-mile work at Ellis Park in 1:38, which followed a five-furlong work at the same track.

Broadway’s Alibi: The runner-up in the Kentucky Oaks, Broadway’s Alibi won her first two starts of 2012 – both of which were graded stakes races – by a combined 20 ¼ lengths. However, she has not worked since June 10 and was shipped to Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital for examination and has not returned to the work tab.


Centre Court: This filly did not break her maiden until May, when she dominated a nine-furlong turf maiden at Churchill Downs. She then took two graded stakes: the Regret Stakes (GIII) and the Lake George Stakes (GII). Centre Court is certainly among the best grass fillies in the nation.

Contested: This filly was undefeated this year until she finished last in the Mother Goose. However, prior to that, she was brilliant, taking not only the Eight Belles Stakes (GIII), but the Acorn Stakes (GI). This filly appears to be more suited to distances shorter than nine furlongs. However, she is expected to contest in the Alabama Stakes (GI) at ten furlongs.

Disposablepleasure: A graded stakes-winning juvenile, Disposablepleasure is winless this year. However, she has finished in the money in three of her five starts this year. She finished a lackluster fourth in the Coaching Club American Oaks (GI) on July 21.

Dixie Strike: A stakes winner in Florida earlier this year who finished third in a graded stakes at Gulfstream and fifth in the Ashland Stakes (GI) at Keeneland, the Ontario-bred Dixie Strike found her groove in Canada. After winning the Selene Stakes (GIII), Dixie Strike was soundly defeated in the Woodbine Oaks but then finished a good third against males in the first leg of the Canadian Triple Crown, the Queen’s Plate Stakes. She then defeated males in the second jewel, the Prince of Wales Stakes. Perhaps Dixie Strike is more competitive in Canada than in the United States, but she is certainly a talented filly. She could start next in the Alabama.

Eden’s Moon: After breaking her maiden in January at Santa Anita, Eden’s Moon easily won the Las Virgenes Stakes (GI) before finishing third in the Santa Anita Oaks (GI). Following a last-place finish in the Kentucky Oaks, Eden’s Moon finished a nose short in the Hollywood Oaks (GII) over the synthetic. She made her turf debut on July 22, impressively winning the San Clemente Handicap (GII) at Del Mar. She seems to have found her niche on the grass.

Grace Hall: One of the top juvenile fillies last year, Grace Hall has never finished out of the money. A graded stakes winner at Gulfstream earlier this year, Grace Hall finished a good third in the Kentucky Oaks prior to returning on July 14 to effortlessly take the Delaware Oaks (GII). Though she does not have a grade one victory to her credit this year, I believe Grace Hall is among the top two of this division and she could prove that in the Alabama.

In Lingerie: A filly who has never finished out of the money, In Lingerie scored her first graded stakes victory in her graded stakes debut, dominating the Bourbonette Oaks (GIII) at Turfway in March. She then overcame great trouble to win the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (GIII) before finishing a decent third in the July 21 Coaching Club American Oaks.

Karlovy Vary: This filly broke through with a win in the Ashland, but then finished a poor twelfth in the Kentucky Oaks. However, Karlovy Vary then rebounded with an easy win in an allowance optional claiming over the Churchill Downs turf. She recently finished a decent third in the Nani Rose Stakes over Saratoga's turf course.

Lady of Shamrock: Recent winner of the American Oaks Stakes (GI), Lady of Shamrock has not finished off the board this year. A filly with an obvious affinity for Southern California turf courses, Lady of Shamrock could certainly have an advantage come the Breeders’ Cup. Obviously, this filly is more effective on turf than dirt, but I believe she is among the very best turf fillies in this division. She will likely race next in the Del Mar Oaks (GI).

My Miss Aurelia
Photo by Terri Cage

My Miss Aurelia: The champion juvenile filly from last year, My Miss Aurelia has not made a start yet this year due to a shin injury. However, she has been working steadily and is currently at Saratoga, preparing for a possible start in the Monmouth Oaks (GIII).

On Fire Baby: This filly was a top two-year-old last year, winning two graded stakes at Churchill. Following a good effort against males at Oaklawn, On Fire Baby won the Honeybee Stakes (GIII). However, she has been lackluster since then, finishing fifth in the Kentucky Oaks and fourth in the Acorn. She has had no workouts in the past sixty days.


Potesta: After finishing third in her debut in March, Potesta crushed a field in a mile and one-sixteenth maiden at Hollywood over the cushion track. Most recently, she took the Hollywood Oaks (GII) by a nose. She has plenty of learning to do, but is full of raw talent.

Questing: A filly who began her career in Great Britain, Questing took a while to get into the swing of things in the United States. She broke through with an easy victory in an allowance optional claiming at Belmont Park, following up that win with a green but dominant triumph in the Coaching Club American Oaks. She still has some growing up to do, but I believe Questing is among the best two in this division.

Reneesgotzip: A filly who has never competed outside of California, this daughter of City Zip won the Santa Ynez Stakes (GII) in January prior to finishing second in both the Las Virgenes and the Santa Anita Oaks. Her most recent start came in early May, when she won an allowance at Hollywood Park. She has not posted a work since May 21.

Stephanie’s Kitten: The winner of last year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (GII) and Alcibiades Stakes (GI) was third in the Ashland prior to winning the ungraded Edgewood Stakes over the Churchill Downs turf course. She recently finished a close fourth in the Lake George, experiencing a tough trip.

Winding Way: A full sister to the brilliant two-year-old maiden winner Kauai Katie, this filly has proven to be as impressive as her sister. After winning a six-furlong maiden at Hollywood Park by nearly five lengths, the filly dominated a six and one-half-furlong allowance optional claiming by 7 ¼ lengths at Del Mar. She will need to show what she can do against graded stakes company, but this is certainly a remarkable filly.

Zo Impressive: This gray filly dominantly won her first two career starts at Gulfstream Park early this year, the latter of which she defeated In Lingerie in. Following a runner-up finish behind Grace Hall in the Gulfstream Oaks Stakes (GII) and another second-place finish in the Acorn, Zo Impressive took the Mother Goose. She then finished a sound second behind Questing in the Coaching Club American Oaks.

This division seems to be one that consists of horses that take turns beating each other. Grace Hall and Questing appear to be at the top, but Eden's Moon and Lady of Shamrock are certainly at the top of the turf three-year-old fillies, though Karlovy Vary and Stephanie's Kitten could continue to rebound. Horses like In Lingerie, Winding Way, and Zo Impressive should not be ignored, either. This division has some sorting out to do.

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