The 2024 racing season saw a distinct lack of dominance in the older male dirt division, with the top performers failing to assert their authority. Despite the presence of several promising contenders, the division as a whole struggled to deliver consistent and compelling performances, leaving the Eclipse Award for the category up for grabs.

Uncovering the Underwhelming Performances of the Older Male Dirt Division in 2024

The Breeders' Cup Classic Disappointment

The Breeders' Cup Classic, the pinnacle of the older male dirt division, provided a stark illustration of the division's shortcomings. When sophomores Sierra Leone, Fierceness, and Forever Young swept the top three spots, it became evident that the more experienced competitors were simply not up to the task. Of the 10 older males in the race, only Newgate's fourth-place finish could be considered remotely competitive.

Mediocrity Reigns Supreme

The lack of standout performances extended beyond the Breeders' Cup Classic, as the older male dirt division struggled to impress throughout the entire racing year. With no clear leader emerging, the division as a whole was decidedly mediocre, leaving voters with a challenging task in determining a worthy Eclipse Award recipient.

Glimmer of Hope for 2025

However, there is a glimmer of hope for the future of the older male dirt division. Many of the top 3-year-old males, including the Breeders' Cup Classic's top three finishers, as well as Mystik Dan and Mindframe, are expected to return to the races in 2025. This influx of young talent could breathe new life into the division and provide a more competitive landscape for the upcoming season.

The Eclipse Award Conundrum

Given the division's overall lack of dominance, it is difficult to imagine any of the 2024 contenders deserving of the Eclipse Award. The upcoming Clark at Churchill Downs and Cigar Mile at Aqueduct, both of which have slipped to Grade 2 status in recent years, may provide a last-ditch opportunity for a late-season surge to steal the award. However, the question remains: who would they be stealing it from?

National Treasure: The Lone Standout

As of now, the lone horse with more than a single Grade 1 victory this year is National Treasure. His wins in the Pegasus World Cup and Met Mile were the highlights of his campaign, but his subsequent performances, including a fourth-place finish in the Saudi Cup and a sixth-place finish in the Whitney, have raised questions about his consistency.

Subsanador and Newgate: Flashes of Potential

Subsanador, with wins in the Iselin and the California Crown, has shown flashes of potential, but his overall record of two victories in four starts may not be enough to earn him the championship. Newgate, on the other hand, boasts a victory in the Santa Anita Handicap, but his lone win in six starts this year is a significant drawback.

The International Contender: Full Serrano

The Argentine import Full Serrano, trained by John Sadler, has caught the attention of some with his strong Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile win and a previous allowance victory. However, with only one stakes win to his name, his credentials may fall short of a championship.

The Inconsistent Performers

Other contenders, such as Whitney winner Arthur's Ride, Jockey Club Gold Cup winner Highland Falls, and Mixto, have all managed a single Grade 1 victory, but their overall body of work in 2024 has been lackluster. Similarly, Next's four impressive wins at longer distances were overshadowed by his dismal performance in the Breeders' Cup Classic.

The Fading Hopes of Señor Buscador

Señor Buscador, who won the Saudi Cup and finished second in the Pegasus World Cup and third in the Dubai World Cup early in the season, has since faltered, with three out-of-the-money finishes, including a fifth-place finish in the Breeders' Cup Classic.

The Consistent but Unspectacular Post Time

While Post Time has been the most consistent older dirt male performer throughout the 2024 season, with an 8: 4-3-1 record, his lack of a standout victory may not be enough to earn him the Eclipse Award.In the end, the 2024 older male dirt division has left voters with a conundrum. With no clear standout performer and a lack of consistent excellence, the Eclipse Award for the category remains up for grabs. The upcoming Clark and Cigar Mile may provide a last chance for a late-season surge, but the division's overall underwhelming performance in 2024 suggests that the award may be a difficult one to claim.