2011 Eclipse Awards Finalists

[Alan07]

Originally Posted by Kasept

Ridiculously, there is a re-vote coming for Apprentice because stats sent out for Montanez included his post-bug journeyman results.

(I'll reserve my comments for radio next week. Some voter/pundits really distinguished themselves in their discussion of this topic earlier today.)

Can they just scrap the award already?

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by Alan07

Can they just scrap the award already?

I wish they'd do that with the handicapper of the year or rather "handicapper" of the year.

Tax Ruling said to please remind you that he was the only one to win 2 G1s this year.

Just sayin...

[Dahoss]

Originally Posted by my miss storm cat

I wish they'd do that with the handicapper of the year or rather "handicapper" of the year.

Why?

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by Dahoss

Why?

Isn't it kind of an insult to people who do this for a living to give an award to the winner of a contest?

I'm not saying it's an easy thing to win by any means but shouldn't it go to a professional?

[Dahoss]

Originally Posted by my miss storm cat

Isn't it kind of an insult to people who do this for a living to give an award to the winner of a contest?

I don't think so. I look at it as a small recognition to handicappers for what they do to keep the sport going. Honestly, there should be more awards for handicappers/bettors, not less.

Originally Posted by my miss storm cat

I'm not saying it's an easy thing to win by any means but shouldn't it go to a professional?

I guess I see your point, but what makes you think the people who are participating in the contests aren't professionals?

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by Dahoss

I don't think so. I look at it as a small recognition to handicappers for what they do to keep the sport going. Honestly, there should be more awards for handicappers/bettors, not less.



I guess I see your point, but what makes you think the people who are participating in the contests aren't professionals?

My mistake. I assumed that they didn't. Not exactly the first time I've been wrong.

... and yes some small recognition? I absolutely agree and I know it's what keeps it going.

The Eclipse Awards should be special though. They should mean something.

It's the winner of the DRF contest... is that right?

If it is they should have their own awards. They'd be special and mean something in their own right, no?

[Calzone Lord]

Junior Alvarado was probably the best bug rider I've ever seen in my time following racing.

He was hands down the best jockey at Calder while he had the bug -- and rode excellently into Gulfstream despite having very few and weak mounts. The guy was having 5-win days at Calder and stealing races at prices. Didn't even come close against Talamo (I believe) in the voting. Talamo was a glorified sack of oats.

Julien Laparoux had a big priced winner at Saratoga on the turf with the bug (maybe even triple bug) -- but I didn't follow his circuit much when he had it. I think the vast majority of his bug was spent cleaning up at Turfway.

Bejarano absolutely ruled Turfway right before him -- not sure if he still had the bug or not though.