As the year draws to a close, the Eclipse Awards voting period is in full swing. Voters are reminded to consider the outcomes of late-season graded stakes races before casting their ballots. These final performances can significantly impact the rankings and determine which horses earn prestigious spots on the ballot. Many voters tend to overlook these crucial end-of-year races, assuming that the top contenders have already secured their positions. However, for some connections, being an Eclipse Award finalist represents the pinnacle of achievement. This article explores the potential shake-ups in various divisions and highlights key races that could influence the final rankings.
The 3-Year-Old Fillies Division: A Battle for Second Place
Thorpedo Anna remains the frontrunner in the 3-year-old filly division, with her impressive season likely securing her position as Horse of the Year. However, the competition for the second and third spots is heating up. Power Squeeze, Candied, Sugar Fish, and Gun Song are all vying for recognition. The upcoming La Brea (G1) and Rampart (G2) stakes could be pivotal in determining the final standings.
Sugar Fish, with two graded-stakes wins this year, faces tough competition in the La Brea, including the unbeaten Hope Road and Kinza. A victory here would add a Grade 1 win to her resume and likely push her past Candied on the ballot. Meanwhile, Power Squeeze, ranked second, competes in the Rampart at Gulfstream against Soul of an Angel. Despite having three graded-stakes wins, including the Alabama, her ninth start of the year showcases her consistency. Candied, currently third, has only one win from six starts but consistently faces top-tier competition. Her standing is more vulnerable without further opportunities to improve her case.
Other Divisions: Key Races and Contenders
In other divisions, several high-profile races this week could solidify or disrupt current rankings. The Malibu (G1) featuring Mystik Dan and the San Gabriel (G2) with Johannes offer significant opportunities for contenders to make their mark. Additionally, the older dirt males and females divisions present intriguing storylines as some horses aim to cap off strong seasons while others seek redemption.
Sierra Leone leads the 3-year-old male division following his decisive Breeders’ Cup Classic win. Fierceness and Dornoch round out the top three, with Forever Young and Seize the Grey also in contention. In the female sprinters division, Soul of an Angel holds the top spot after winning the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint. Her performance in the Rampart will be closely watched, though it’s unlikely to dethrone her. The turf males division sees Johannes as the leader, despite a second-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Mile. Older dirt males and females divisions highlight National Treasure and Idiomatic, respectively, with Adare Manor and Raging Sea also making strong cases. Finally, the 2-year-old divisions showcase Citizen Bull and Immersive as clear leaders, with Journalism, Gaming, Good Cheer, and Scottish Lassie among those seeking to cement their places.