The Older Male Dirt Division Back?

After several years of lackness in the Older Male Dirt division, it looks like that it has finally returned. With the recent wins of Mucho Macho Man, Animal Kingdom, Ron the Greek, Nehro and others, we could be in for a fun season with these horses. That is of course if they all stay healthy. So why did this divison from 2008 until possibly this year stink on ice? It be lots of factors:

*Two of the three 3yo Finalists from 2007 (Street Sense and Hard Spun) where both retired to stud for the 2008 season.

*Since 2007 (really since 2006, but Barbaro had suffered a career (and eventually life ending) injury), the Kentucky Derby winner did not return as a four year (Animal Kingdom broke that streak when he returned a few weeks ago).

*Since 2008, the 3yo Champion 3yo had not returned as a 4yo (another streak that Animal Kingdom broke). And before that since 2001 only Funny Cide (2003) and Curlin (2007) returned as four year olds (of course Funny Cide is a gelding so he didn't have much of a choice and Curlin's owner wanted him to run).

*The 2 of the past 3 years best Older Horse consistantly was a grass horse (Gio Ponti in 2009 and Acclamation in 2011).

Honestly I think it could be a little bit too early to tell weather or not the Older Division is really back. We'll have to see how well Game On Dude does in Dubai where he could face several tough Europeans and the Japanese runners who went 1-2 in last year's race (this year they will be lead by last year's DWC runner up Transend). Either way, it's going to be an exciting year for these Older Horses on their way to the Breeders' Cup.