Who wins Horse of the Year?

[Merlinsky]

Originally Posted by RolloTomasi

I guess the Clark is a Grade 2 once again, so in strictly technical terms, I'm not sure that it's particularly important when discussing Horse of the Year. I don't think Game On Dude or Flat Out would suddenly become HOY contenders by winning the Clark. However, like you said, it would almost certainly decide the older horse Eclipse if both horses show up, therefore if Flat Out were to win it, Havre de Grace's position would be strengthened.

Churchill Downs' website calls it a Grade 1 worth $500,000. http://www.churchilldowns.com/calendar/grid/

ETA: http://www.toba.org/graded-stakes/races.aspx Yeah looks like it's G1 per the graded stakes committee.

[RolloTomasi]

Originally Posted by Merlinsky

Churchill Downs' website calls it a Grade 1 worth $500,000. http://www.churchilldowns.com/calendar/grid/

I could have sworn I read in the post-BC comments that it was Grade 2, because Ruler On Ice and Flat Out were considering a start in there. Must have been a typo.

I guess, theoretically it could make a HOY contender out of the two older horses. And if Ruler On Ice wins, he might earn champion 3yo.

[Danzig]

they restored it to gr 1 status last year from gr 2, first time since 2006.