MichaelD, there are committees and there are committees. And some with International flavor and input. You are right in that I can't remember many arguments about a quality horse not getting into a BC race because of other, less "qualified" horses ahead of him (or her). But not many horses are BC entered if they are not in that class.

FWIW I just saw ESPN's Wire to Wire and watched as Minister Eric lumber home in another allowance at Keeneland, drifting in and changing to the wrong lead in the final sixteenth. The race was won in 144 and 2 fifths with the last 3 sixteenths in 33 and 2. Yet he has won a shade under $438,000 in his career without running in a Stakes, never mind a graded Stakes, this year. Good luck to Mr. Mandella but he won't be on my ticket.....