Horse of the Year?

[parsixfarms]

Connections notwithstanding, IMO, Curlin should win the HOY award based on the races in which he competed, and won (save for two on non-dirt surfaces).

That being said, I don't understand those who question the caliber of the competition that Zenyatta, an outstanding filly, beat. The number of legitimate Grade I fillies (Ginger Punch, Hystericalady, Music Note, Cocoa Beach) defeated by Zenyatta - in more races - during her campaign far outweighs the number of legitimate Grade I dirt horses who Curlin defeated (perhaps none) during his.

[GBBob]

Originally Posted by parsixfarms

Connections notwithstanding, IMO, Curlin should win the HOY award based on the races in which he competed, and won (save for two on non-dirt surfaces).

That being said, I don't understand those who question the caliber of the competition that Zenyatta, an outstanding filly, beat. The number of legitimate Grade I fillies (Ginger Punch, Hystericalady, Music Note, Cocoa Beach) defeated by Zenyatta - in more races - during her campaign far outweighs the number of legitimate Grade I dirt horses who Curlin defeated (perhaps none) during his.

So you think all the fillies you reference would have consistantly beat, or maybe even one time, beat Curlin or those he ran against?

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by Cardus

I have never had a fan's rooting interest in Curlin, but to give the Horse-of-the-Year award to a horse other than he who won the Dubai World Cup, Jockey Club Gold Cup, Woodward Stakes, and the Steven Foster Handicap in one racing season, I'd have to see more than what Zenyatta provided.

Agree.

Too bad Zenyatta didn't run against the boys...

[parsixfarms]

Originally Posted by GBBob

So you think all the fillies you reference would have consistantly beat, or maybe even one time, beat Curlin or those he ran against?

I'm not saying that they would have Curlin. However, I don't think it's that much of stretch to imagine some of these fillies defeating the likes of Barcola, Past the Point or Wanderin Boy on dirt.

I think the real point that I was trying to make is that Zenyatta is the best of a pretty strong (relatively speaking) group of fillies and mares, while Curlin (not his fault) was the best of a pretty weak group of older males. In that context, I have a hard time knocking the competition that Zenyatta faced.

[parsixfarms]

Originally Posted by Cardus

You get Ginger Punch, because Zenyatta beat her on dirt. However, Zenyatta beat Hystericalady on synthetic (twice), a surface on which she never ran as well as she ran on dirt. She beat Music Note and Cocoa Beach on synthetic as well ( a surface over which neither had previously competed), so I wouldn't tout those horses in Zenyatta's "quality of the horses she has beaten compared to Curlin" column.

I'll accept the point that Hystericalady is not the same filly on synthetic, but Cocoa Beach and Music Note both ran their respective races in the BC, and Zenyatta ran over them. They are both seriously good fillies, and they certainly compare favorably in their divisions to the horses that Curlin beat in the Foster, Woodward, and JC Gold Cup.

[King Glorious]

Originally Posted by Stickhorse

Horse of the Year is an award for North American horses for North American efforts. Curlin people, you should know better, don't mention the Dubai World Cup. If you want to throw that race in the mix then you will lose your argument for sure. The stage widens and we have to consider Zarkava.
Her victory in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Fr-I) was over a better field than Curlin faced in his Dubai race. She, like Zenyatta, was undefeated but she, unlike Zenyatta, did beat the boys.

Horse of the Year should go to a “Z” horse. Zarkava or Zenyatta

This statement is absolutely, 100% incorrect. You can throw the Dubai World Cup into the mix because it's a race on the record of a horse that is eligible for the title. Zarkava never raced in North America so therefore she is ineligible and thus, her results aren't even to be considered.

[ateamstupid]

I'd give the slight nod to Curlin, but wouldn't be outraged if Zenyatta won.

[smuthg]

good article on DRF by Steve Davidowitz. http://www.drf.com/drfNewsArticle.do?NID=100680


I think Commentator's best two races were better than any other horse/race this year but his Clark flop destroys any case that could be made for him and Curlin looked like Michael Jordan in his Wizard's uniform this year, something just wasn't right... So if I had a vote I would go with Zenyatta.

I found it very interesting that Davidowitz went with Eight Belles in the 3YO filly divisions without much discussion. Does Goldikova get a look in this division?

[miraja2]

Nicanor or Hang Glide.

[cowgirlintexas]

Originally Posted by miraja2

Nicanor or Hang Glide.

Hopefully that will be in 2009

[sumitas]

I favor Pepper's Pride as HOY .

[hoovesupsideyourhead]

Originally Posted by sumitas

I favor Pepper's Pride as HOY .

YES WE HAVE IT..THE FN CLAIMER WHO FACED NO BODY .NEVER VENTURED TO FACE BETTER GETS HORSE OF THE YEAR...HE MADE IT AROUND THE TRACK THATS IT..IF THATS THE DEAL THEN I THINK 'HANK' SHOULD WIN AT LEAST HE ESCORTED A FEW DERBY WINNERS TO THE GATE..

[GBBob]

Originally Posted by hoovesupsideyourhead

YES WE HAVE IT..THE FN CLAIMER WHO FACED NO BODY .NEVER VENTURED TO FACE BETTER GETS HORSE OF THE YEAR...HE MADE IT AROUND THE TRACK THATS IT..IF THATS THE DEAL THEN I THINK 'HANK' SHOULD WIN AT LEAST HE ESCORTED A FEW DERBY WINNERS TO THE GATE..

My 11 year old greyhound would keep up with Poopers Pride

[Cannon Shell]

I know there aint much going on but do we really have to discuss this again? Regardless of who wins the award the winner will go down among the weakest HOY's in recent time. Paging through a copy of Champions makes the horses argued about in the is thread seem pretty meek.

[The Indomitable DrugS]

Obviously you haven't seen MissingLisaLewis' at his best.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by smuthg

good article on DRF by Steve Davidowitz. http://www.drf.com/drfNewsArticle.do?NID=100680


I think Commentator's best two races were better than any other horse/race this year but his Clark flop destroys any case that could be made for him and Curlin looked like Michael Jordan in his Wizard's uniform this year, something just wasn't right... So if I had a vote I would go with Zenyatta.

I found it very interesting that Davidowitz went with Eight Belles in the 3YO filly divisions without much discussion. Does Goldikova get a look in this division?

I have no idea how Eight Belles would get his vote but even less understanding of how Commentator gets his vote for sprinter since he didnt win a sprint stakes this year. And while Assmussen getting the eclipse isnt exactly a feel good story I cant come up with Hollendorfer in that catagory either

[The Indomitable DrugS]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

I have no idea how Eight Belles would get his vote but even less understanding of how Commentator gets his vote for sprinter since he didnt win a sprint stakes this year.

He won the Richter Scale at 7 furlongs by double digits at GP.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS

He won the Richter Scale at 7 furlongs by double digits at GP.

ok then he deserves it

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by Stickhorse

Horse of the Year is an award for North American horses for North American efforts. Curlin people, you should know better, don't mention the Dubai World Cup. If you want to throw that race in the mix then you will lose your argument for sure. The stage widens and we have to consider Zarkava.

Her victory in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Fr-I) was over a better field than Curlin faced in his Dubai race. She, like Zenyatta, was undefeated but she, unlike Zenyatta, did beat the boys.

Horse of the Year should go to a “Z” horse. Zarkava or Zenyatta

you have to have one start in north america to be considered for an eclipse, zarkava obviously doesn't qualify. curlin does, and i can see taking his dwc into consideration, since high chaparral (for example) only had ONE start in NA when he won, so obviously foreign races are considered.

[Hickory Hill Hoff]

Curlin....I guess, but for me personally it's the one who made me the most $$$ in 2008.....

Kickin N Screamin