I think he has to win the the three year old title, regardless of what happened today.
He had the best "three year old" campaign without argument, this season. He won the He lost to Bayern in the PA Derby that was meant as nothing more than a prep for the BC Classic. He lost to Bayern in the Classic by a small margin, with an asterisk. This race should have nothing to do with the outcome of any eclipse voting. Same as if Bayern or Shared Belief run and win the Malibu. Today was an exhibition. I think Chrome was the best three year old from start to finish.
As for Horse of the Year. You can't give it to a four race campaigned grass horse. So, I think he has a shot but I would give horse of the year to Bayer. I know that seems hypocritical but that's how I would vote. Chrome won the three year old races so why not award him for that. Bayern won the big boy race (regardless of the rough running of the race, he won) so why not give him the prize for winning that race. I think that is just.
Hopefully they all meet stay healthy and meet again in next years classic.
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