Re: Eclipse Award Sprinter (558 Views)
Posted by:
bobphilo (IP Logged)
Date: January 05, 2006 11:51PM
Rich: I agree with what appear to be your sentiments regarding the excess hype surrounding Lost In The Fog’s claim at divisional honors, but there is nothing unusual in choosing a 3YO who has dominated his contemporaries to a far greater extent than any other older horse has his competition.
I also think it is incorrect to say he was no factor in the BC sprint. To be no factor is to never threaten or enter contention at any stage of a race. LOTG fought for the lead 4-wide, put away his inside competition to gain the lead by the quarter pole and held it until he tired in the final eight. Admittedly, this was a sub-par performance for him and cost him any consideration for HOTY. However, an excusably tired final eight in one race cannot negate an entire brilliant unbeaten season of 8 straight wins (10 straight lifetime) – particularly when none of his rivals could match his consistency for the year in the sprint (or any other) division.
I think the real controversy lies in the decision for HOTY between Afleet Alex and Saint Liam. I think Saint Liam has the stronger claim but will giving him the award send the wrong message regarding Dutrow’s methods?
Bob