I love this thread.

I'm still upset that John Henry beat out Slew O'Gold for HOY in 1984.

Because the East Coast has had the power for decades and could make a champion of Roman Brother while ignoring the accomplishments of Native Diver. And could cold-shoulder Exceller in a year when he won six G1 races, including the championship race in New York, by giving him no award at all.

Feel free to tell us exactly what Eclipse award Exceller should have won over what winner.

The case could certainly be made that Exceller could have won the Eclipse for top Grass Horse in 1978.

He won the following G1s on turf:

San Juan Capistrano, the Hollywood Invitational, the Sunset, and the Oak Tree Invitational. He won all year against top competition.

The winner, Mac Diarmada, won two, the Canadian International and the DC International. He did win some lesser G2s against straight 3yos.

You're way off target there. Waya actually should have been top grass horse of 1978.

Certainly possible, but she only won two G1s as well, and this was back when winning a G1 actually meant something.

"Way off target" is just silly.

I know I'm silly.