I know that there are still a few pretty big races to go that may impact several of the divisions, but most of them are case closed no matter what. Lets take a look at them.
2yo Male: Shanghai Bobby (Harlan's Holiday)- He ran a race that could have easily get beaten. However he came back again He's Had Enough.
2yo Female: Ask me after the Starlet. With Beholder (Henny Hughes) winning the Juvenile Fillies it somewhat threw a wrench in everything.
3yo Male: I'll Have Another (Flower Alley)- Although he didn't run past May, the fact there was no standout in the divison helped him. He will be the first horse to win the Derby, Preakness and win an Eclipse since Big Brown won both in 2008.
3yo Female: Questing (GB) (Hard Spun)- Originally I was going to say My Miss Aurelia, however my heart of hearts is just too much. Take out the Ladies Classic you have 3 wins on dirt 2 of them in G1 races and 2nd while giving weight. Keep in mind since 2006, only Royal Delta has won both a BC race and 3yo Filly Championship. MMA had to win in order to lock it up. Of course if MMA goes in the La Brea she could still win, but for now Questing is my pick.
Older Male: Wise Dan (Wiseman's Farry)- I like this horse and he hasn't done much wrong in his career. Unfortnally, he had an international "rivalry" with Frankel which got the Euro's defending the Galileo colt and some Americans defending Dan. Reminding me of the Rachel vs Zenyatta fight
Older Female: Royal Delta (Empire Maker)- This is a no brainer, she handed Awesome Feather and My Miss Aurelia their first losses in a wild Ladies Classic. DelCap, Beldame, La Trioanne. If she stays healthy next year she could easily win the Classic.
Turf Male: See Older Male, or it could go to BC Turf and Arlington Million winner Little Mike (Spanish Steps).
Turf Female: Zagora (FR) (Green Tune)- What a race by her and her jockey Javiar Castellano in the F/M Turf. A super talented filly retired now but will see Frankel.
Sprinter Male: Trinniberg (Teuflesberg)- I can't stand this horse partically because he beat Hardened Wildcat a very good sprinter when he's healthy and his sire handed Hard Spun his first loss. WIth that being said, his two very bad races where in the Derby where he had no bussiness being in and King's Bishop. He's been pretty consistant otherwise.
Sprinter Female: Groupie Doll (Bowman's Band)- Her lone races that she's lost this year has been out of her division. Undefeated since the blinkers have been added she won a dazzling BC F/M Sprint, many think she is a HOY candiate, but honestly it's hard for a sprinter to make the HOY finalist. If she where she would be the first since Lost in the Fog to do so. Shame she perfers 7 then 6, she would have won the Sprint.
Special Award: Paynter (Awesome Again)- Honestly this is a no brainer to me. While we would have all loved to see him more in the fight for the 3yo Championship instead of his life, he is showing the same tenacity that he has shown on the track. Weather he can come back from this to race? Honestly right now I'm not sure. Everyone wants to see him get healthy and if his heart is just not in racing anymore? Then so be it.
Jockey: Mike Smith- I fully expect Ramon Dominguez to win this award, and I'll be happy for the former Delaware Park jock. However, 2nd in all three Triple Crown races, won Ladies Classic and Turf Sprint plus almost won the Classic again with Mucho Macho Man.
Trainer: This can go a few ways, but it looks to between Dale Romans and Todd Pletcher.
Owner: Not sure
Breeder: Darley (Although Adena rules this catagory)
Horse of the Year: Wise Dan
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