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

Breeders' Cup 2012: Highlights

By Mary Cage

Every renewal of the Breeders’ Cup is always abounding with special moments and 2012’s edition of the prestigious event was no different­. From the week leading up to the Breeders’ Cup to the culmination of the fifteenth championship races, the Breeders’ Cup is full of excitement, drama, and emotion. Wrapped up in the action of the spectacular event for several days, I continue to reflect on my extraordinary time at the Breeders’ Cup, which is truly an event like no other.

Mornings at Clocker’s Corner

Santa Anita provides a unique experience by allowing one to venture to the Clocker’s Corner each morning to watch morning works, gazing at the heroes of the racetrack as they waltz past. From my first morning in Southern California to my final day there, I attended morning works at the Great Race Place, my eyes fixed upon the stream of Thoroughbreds pouring onto the track, dotted in large numbers of Breeders’ Cup contenders.

As a Breeders’ Cup horse loomed, the commotion of the fans and media gathered at Clocker’s Corner would grow, the horse’s name slipping from the lips of many, especially if it was a “big horse” such as Royal Delta, Animal Kingdom, or Groupie Doll. As fog hugged the track, morning dew clung to every surface, the crisp morning air leaving me to find warmth in the best hot chocolate I’ve ever tasted. My eyes rarely left the track, watching some of the best racehorses in the world wander past me, sometimes just inches separating me from them.

While these grand athletes milled to and fro, I had the ability to talk to other racing fans gathered at Clocker’s Corner, which left me reeling with happiness and hope. There really are others out there infected with the incurable racing bug. And not only was a mass of spectators gathered around to watch the horses, but some of the most well-known people in racing walked among you as well: Bob Baffert, Doug O’Neill, Corey Nakatani, Todd Pletcher, Graham Motion, among others.

Morning works at Santa Anita
Photo by Terri Cage

The Marathon

Often, the Marathon is among the Breeders’ Cup races that get pushed aside, that few people fondly reminisce upon. But this year’s was different, all thanks to the horse that strode to an easy 4 ¼-length victory. That horse was the underdog Calidoscopio, who was sent off at odds of 17-1.

Not having raced since his victory in the General Belgrano (GII) in Argentina, the nation from which the nine-year-old gelding hails, the bay gelding became the oldest racehorse to ever capture a Breeders’ Cup race. Choose whichever aspect of his win you want; no matter which one you choose, it is undeniable that Calidoscopio’s triumph was an eccentric, yet touching one.

Among the most intriguing facets of this horse’s Breeders’ Cup venture was his appearance in the mornings. Not only did he wear an eye-catching bonnet on his head in the mornings while training, but Calidoscopio’s exercise rider galloped him around the Santa Anita oval without a saddle, an Argentinean tradition. It was truly a fascinating experience to watch Calidoscopio prepare for race day, traveling about the track in a unique style that was sure to catch the eye.

But as interesting as his appearance in the mornings was, the moment of Calidoscopio’s win I found most intriguing was his return to the frontside after the race. His connections ran up to the gelding, hugging him as they gave jockey Aaron Gryder high-fives, celebrating the victory with great joy. I was moved to tears in that moment, touched by the unmistakable love for the horse, and, of course, the thrill of a huge victory displayed Calidoscopio’s connections.

Calidoscopio training for the Breeders' Cup
Photo by Terri Cage

The Ladies’ Classic

Standing along the wall that lines the tunnel through which horses enter the track for the post parade at Santa Anita Park, I held my breath in anticipation for the grand fillies that would soon grace my vision. I’d seen them all before, whether it be at a previous Breeders’ Cup or at the morning works, or perhaps both, but something about the moment left me breathless as I eagerly waited for the field for the 2012 Ladies’ Classic to emerge from the tunnel, their necks arched as their fierce jockeys sat aboard them, the call to post sounding as they pranced onto the dirt oval.

And suddenly the classy field stepped out of the darkness of the tunnel and into my vision. Thereby stepped the talented Grace Hall, followed by the undefeated My Miss Aurelia, the latter of which my eyes latched onto. I’d followed My Miss Aurelia’s career since her noteworthy debut as a juvenile, a race in which I’d selected her prior to race day due to her outstanding pedigree. There she pranced before me, her legs dancing over the dirt as she cavorted on to the track, her neck arched as she left me riveted, taking my breath away. The star-studded field only continued from there and as soon as Awesome Feather appeared, my eyes locked upon her, taking her in. A filly with a flawless record, I’d also followed Awesome Feather since early on in her career and have great respect and adoration for the spectacular individual.

But just behind Awesome Feather was Royal Delta – the horse that took my breath away. I focused my vision on her, watching her in awe as she and Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith sauntered onto the track. I was left in absolute wonder of the reigning champion, feeling a chill as she gazed right at me, inches from me as she strolled through the tunnel.

The race did not quite play out as expected and I found myself focusing primarily on the spectacular Royal Delta, who set blistering fractions, leading the others into the homestretch with My Miss Aurelia and Include Me Out hot on her heels. But Royal Delta called upon all her class and dug deep, leaving me beaming as she crossed the wire to defend her title.

Her trip back to the frontside was an unforgettable moment. Each winner had been applauded and cheered for upon its return to the winner’s circle, but the stands roared in admiration for Royal Delta and as the grand filly trotted up beneath a jubilant Mike Smith, I found myself crying tears of joy as the magnificent Royal Delta traveled before me, receiving the blanket of flowers for her outstanding victory.

Royal Delta after her Ladies' Classic victory
Photo by Terri Cage

The Filly & Mare Sprint

One of the biggest stars at this year’s Breeders’ Cup was Groupie Doll. Having dominated the division throughout 2012, most fans gathered at Santa Anita or watching the Breeders’ Cup on television pondered how large of a winning margin the stunning chestnut would win the race by. The answer? 4 ½ lengths.

What made Groupie Doll’s victory so special, you may ask? It wasn’t just her brilliance, but who she won it for: breeder, trainer, and co-owner Buff Bradley. One of the most genuine persons in racing, Buff Bradley is known for his adventures with the hard-knocking Brass Hat and the wonderful King of Speed. Seeing the tremendously gifted Groupie Doll win for Buff Bradley was icing on the cake.

Groupie Doll after her Filly & Mare Sprint win
Photo by Terri Cage

The Juvenile

It was in 2003, ten years after she became the initial female rider to capture a Triple Crown race in the Belmont Stakes (GI), that Julie Krone became the first female jockey to pilot a horse to Breeders’ Cup victory when she rode Halfbridled to a win in the Juvenile Fillies. In 2012 alone, Rosie Napravnik became the first female jockey to win the Kentucky Oaks (GI) and the second female jockey to find the winner’s circle in a Breeders’ Cup race and the first to do so in the Juvenile.

Riding the undefeated Shanghai Bobby, Rosie Napravnik appeared to be home-free aboard the short-priced favorite as the field turned for home, but down the stretch, a contingent of horses threatened the lead she and her mount had established. Vigorously, the talented jockey set to work on her mount, asking him for all he had as the other juveniles loomed large, particularly He’s Had Enough. In a thrilling finish, Rosie Napravnik rode her handsome mount to victory, returning to the winner’s circle to the admiration of the crowd.

Rosie Napravnik and Shanghai Bobby after their Juvenile triumph
Photo by Terri Cage

The Turf

It is often expected that the foreign horses will dominate this race and rightfully so. Prior to this year’s running, the last American horse to capture the Turf had been English Channel in 2007. With foreign invaders such as reigning champion St. Nicholas Abbey, the looming Japanese horse Trailblazer, and the brilliant filly Shareta, the American horses had a tall task ahead of them, but great hope was invested in Point of Entry, who was coming off of three grade one wins.

However, Point of Entry was not the American that dethroned the foreign horses in this year’s renewal of the Turf. It was Little Mike , who, like Calidoscopio, is quite the underdog. Despite having won two previous grade ones this year, including the prestigious Arlington Million Stakes (GI), Little Mike was dismissed at 17-1. But, showing shades of his Million victory in the stretch, the plucky gelding – for which many believed had distance limitations – dug deep in the straightaway, repelling all challengers to capture the victory, leaving his connections exultantly celebrating all the way down to the winner’s circle.

Just part of the celebration after Little Mike's Turf victory
Photo by Terri Cage

The Mile

Featuring one of the toughest fields of the weekend, the Mile did not disappoint as far as displaying the greatness of the Thoroughbred athlete was concerned. Among the horses in the force was a Kentucky Derby winner in Animal Kingdom, a horse who had been lurking in the shadows of Frankel in Excelebration, and a horse who needed no explanation as to the degree of his brilliance in Wise Dan.

As I had done for the Ladies’ Classic the previous evening, I stood along the wall of the tunnel as the horses entered in the Mile made their way from the paddock to the track. Each horse had a bounty of credentials to catch my eye, but my eye locked upon three main horses: Wise Dan, Animal Kingdom, and Excelebration.

As Wise Dan strutted past me, I focused on the regal chestnut, amazed by the sight of him. This was the horse that had put together one of the best, and certainly the most versatile, 2012 campaigns. My expectations were high for the stunning individual; despite the tough field, I anticipated the gelding would conquer the field en route to victory.

But Wise Dan wasn’t the only superstar in the field. One of my favorite racehorses soon followed, gazing right at me as he left me breathless. Animal Kingdom. Never before had I seen a Kentucky Derby victor contest in a race, but there he was, just feet away from me as he headed to the track to make his comeback. And just behind him? Excelebration, the horse who had been living in the shadow of the legendary Frankel.

The Mile certainly played out as one of the most terrific races of the weekend. Wise Dan stalked the pace set by the talented Obviously with Excelebration not far behind. Animal Kingdom, on the other hand, galloped near the end of the field along the rail. With his striking turn of foot, Wise Dan overtook Obviously near the top of the stretch, galloping home-free towards the wire. But Animal Kingdom, having experienced traffic issues, kicked into gear in late stretch to finish second as Wise Dan captured the race, eclipsing the course record with a spectacular final time of 1:31.78.

Among the best part of the Mile was, again, the horses’ arrival at the frontside following the race. Animal Kingdom appeared before Wise Dan, but the crowd cheered for him as loudly as they had for any winner on the day, praising the Kentucky Derby winner for his grand performance. Of course, the magnificent Wise Dan received his own roar of admiration for his incredible victory. One cannot help but anticipate what the superstars will bring next year.

Wise Dan after his triumph in the Mile
Photo by Terri Cage

The Classic

It’s the richest race in North America, the culmination of the Breeders’ Cup, and, of course, one of the most renowned races in the world. The field assembled for this year’s running was full of talented horses, featuring nine grade one winners and three other gifted Thoroughbreds. Yet again, I stood along the wall of the tunnel, my eyes gazing towards the paddock as I awaited the field for the Classic.

And like the sun peaking through the clouds, the first horse stepped out of the darkness, followed by eleven more brilliant equine athletes. My eyes took in the classy individuals, looking over the likes of such horses as Flat Out, Fort Larned, Game On Dude, Richard’s Kid, Ron the Greek, and Mucho Macho Man. In that moment, I was sure it would be a great race.

It was. Despite the fact that the favorite, Game On Dude, did not perform like his normal self, the stretch run was incredible. One of my personal favorites and top selections, Mucho Macho Man, chased at Fort Larned, who had formed a comfortable lead. Showing great perseverance, Mucho Macho Man loomed on Fort Larned’s outside, battling with Fort Larned down the stretch in a thrilling duel. But it was Fort Larned that dug deep, prevailing on jockey Brian Hernandez’s 27^th birthday.

The Classic was everything it should have been. Yes, a 9-1 shot captured the race rather than the heavy favorite, but Fort Larned and Mucho Macho Man displayed the characteristics I most admire in a Thoroughbred racehorse: heart and determination. The Classic was a race to remember. It’s not every day that we are able to witness two top-class Thoroughbreds battle it out in one of the richest races in the world, displaying their great will to win.

Fort Larned and Mucho Macho Man crossing the wire in the Classic
Photo by Terri Cage

And another special moment? The presentation of the National's Anthem on BC Saturday. Read about it in this post.