Richiebee,

No way do I believe Gilchrist tried to dodge anybody. As P-Dub pointed out, if he just wanted an easy way to back into an Eclipse award, he wouldn’t have supplemented to the BC. True he faced weaker competition against 3YOs and if any of the older sprinters had come anywhere close to dominating their division as LITF did, then they should get the nod, but they didn’t. Yes he was kept sprinting but fact that he never raced beyond 7 furlongs should have no bearing on the Eclipse for the sprint division. In addition his spectacular winning streak brought more positive attention to the sport this year than any other horse except for Afleet Alex.
I do agree with you about Taste of Paradise being a better candidate than Silver Train. He at least had won a GR. 1 sprint and should have been the BC Sprint winner if the stewards had shown the guts to take down Silver Train for the blatant interference that cost TOP the race.
As for Saint Liam and Dutrow, I’m not implying that anything illegal was done in his Classic victory and I grudgingly have to consider him the choice for Horse of the Year. It just leaves a bad taste and sends the wrong message when someone who’s methods are, shall we say, questionable is rewarded. I’m not just talking about the numerous drug allegations. IMO, entering a couple of “goons” owned by a 3rd party, just so his horse can, as he admits, have an “easy victory” in the Woodward, is worse than dodging competition.

Bob