Why Not?
 

What do the following horses have in common?

Singspiel
Daylami
Kalanisi
High Chaparral
Pebbles
Miesque
Banks Hill
Islington
Ouija Board
Arazi
Johannesburg

Give up? All of them won Eclipse awards in this country although they only ran in or won once in this country during their championship season. In fact, Arazi not only won the title but he was named one of the three finalist for HOY. With Singspiel, he actually never won in the United States. He won the Canadian International then finished second in the BC Turf and still won the title. Why do I bring all of this up? Because in 2005, I suggested that Ghostzapper be voted as the top older male. Many people said that was stupid but I felt that his one race, that stunning Met Mile, was better than anything I saw from any of the other contenders. If a horse can be awarded the title off of one performance, as all of the above mentioned horses were, why does that one performance have to be in the BC? So precendent has been set. On another forum, someone asked why not Invasor for top older male this year? He had the required one start in NA when he won the Donn. He then went over and won the Dubai World Cup. I don't think there is any question that Invasor was the best older male to run in this country this year. If Singspiel can earn a turf championship with no wins in this country, can't Invasor earn an older male title with a grade one win here?

Your point is a sad reflection of 2007's older horses.

This was the worst year I can ever remember for older horses. But if Curlin, Street Sense, Hard Spun and Any Given Saturday all retire, 2008 could rival it.

Never fear, Tiago will save the day.

If Tiago is your hoped for savior for next season, I'll pray for u. I'd look towards Xchanger, Zanjero, Grasshopper, Going Ballistic and Timber Reserve.

Daaher

Tiago will be a superstar next year, mark my words. Your point is well taken though.

I doubt Zanjero or Grasshopper would have finished any better than Tiago in the BC Classic.

Considering Grasshopper hasn't worked since his last start I'd be inclined to agree with you. I'm guessing he's back on the shelf.