Division rankings: Turf male Eclipse comes into focus

The week after the Breeders' Cup, I waded into the wreckage of several divisions thrown into disarray by the results. Chaos is putting it mildly.

Two weeks ago, I dared to tackle the 3-year-old males, a division where picking a leader felt like stepping into a minefield of fan outrage. Last week, I shifted to turf females, a division where the title of "leader" seemed more like a game of musical chairs. No one horse managed to keep the spotlight long enough to seize control of the division, so by default, the crown landed on the last one standing, Moira, courtesy of her final big-stage win.

This week, the focus stays on the grass, but we shift to turf males. The mission? Determining which horse deserves the top spot on my Eclipse ballot. The answer is clearer than I originally thought.

First, let’s check out this week’s rankings.

Older dirt males

1. National Treasure. This Eclipse Award, designated solely for dirt or synthetic horses, finds itself in a perplexing situation as not a single contender truly deserves the accolade. But duty calls, and we have to cast our votes. I reluctantly would give it to this guy based on his record. With two major Grade 1 wins and a near-miss in another, his resume surpasses all other eligible horses, Breeders’ Cup or not. Who else even makes sense? No one.

2. Subsanador. I had high hopes for this guy earlier in the season, but like many South America imports, he took his sweet time getting up to speed. The California Crown (G1) winner is trained by Richard Mandella, who’s had success with these types before, including Sandpit, Malek, Siphon and Gentlemen. Subsanador finally was starting to show what he’s made of. He had taken clear steps forward and was a legitimate player in the division but has been put on the shelf until next season because of injury.

3. Newgate. He’s been a solid performer in all five of his U.S. races this season. After taking the Santa Anita Handicap (G1) in March, where he defeated Highland Falls, he narrowly missed out on the California Crown in September, losing by a head. Then, in the Breeders' Cup Classic, he turned in a commendable effort, finishing fourth, only three lengths behind the winner. He proved he belongs in the conversation among the top contenders in this division.

4. Hit Show. He quietly has racked up four wins in five starts this season, with his last three victories coming in graded stakes. He hasn’t faced the cream of the crop in this division, but what defines "the best" anymore in this division? I’d back him against any of the names ranked here. He absolutely deserves his spot in the top five right now, and if he takes the Clark (G2) at Churchill next week, don’t be surprised if he climbs into the top three on my Eclipse ballot.

5. Highland Falls. He never posed a serious threat in the Breeders' Cup Classic, finishing a dismal ninth and trailing by more than 14 lengths. Before that embarrassment, he did have a moment of glory, winning the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) in impressive fashion. Overall, his season has been a mixed bag, with three wins from seven starts, including a solid showing in the Blame (G3) at Churchill Downs in June. But a good season doesn’t quite erase the memory of that lackluster Classic performance.

Next 5: Señor Buscador, Full Serrano, Tapit Trice, Skippylongstocking, Arthur's Ride

Older dirt females

1. Idiomatic. Really a downer when it was announced she would be retired and had to miss the Breeders' Cup Distaff. In her last start, she owned the Spinster (G1) again, making it back-to-back wins. I was more impressed with her in her two losses this season than in her wins, but she still had a rock-solid year. She's going to earn my Eclipse vote in this division, but Adare Manor was right on her heels.

2. Adare Manor. Despite retirement, she will remain in these rankings. In her last start, a Clement L. Hirsch (G1) win, she showed us something new, heart and a whole new gear. On the far turn it looked like she was in trouble, but then she blew past a solid field to win decisively. She was 3-for-4 this season with two Grade 1 victories, more than anyone else in this division.

3. Raging Sea. As the runner-up in the Breeders' Cup Distaff and the second choice at the betting window, she did exactly what was expected of her. Before the Distaff, she barely edged out a win in the Beldame (G2), but her standout performance this season came when she pulled off an upset over Idiomatic in the Personal Ensign (G1).

4. Randomized. Engaged in an early battle with Idiomatic in the Personal Ensign but couldn’t keep up and faded to finish fifth, more than 15 lengths behind. But she did win the Ogden Phipps (G1) by upsetting Idiomatic earlier this season and will have another chance this fall.

5. Sweet Azteca. Was stunningly off the board at 1-9 odds in the four-horse Chillingworth Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita. Before that she had been dominant this season, winning four of her five starts. Didn't run in the Breeders' Cup.

Next 5: Scylla, Honor D Lady, Shotgun Hottie, Flying Connection, Desert Dawn

3-year-old males

1. Sierra Leone. Before the Breeders' Cup Classic, he was the model of consistency in this division, but he finally seized his moment in style, decisively winning the Classic against Fierceness and Forever Young. The claim that Sierra Leone got lucky thanks to a hot early pace is just wrong. Every speed metric, especially those factoring in pace and trip, confirms he ran the best race. Sierra Leone covered extra ground, and let’s not ignore the reality that the other early front-runners held on for second, third and fourth. That’s not luck, that's running the best race. Now the real debate begins. Can he snag the Eclipse in this division? Absolutely, and I don't see any reason that he shouldn't.

2. Fierceness. He put in a stellar performance in the Breeders' Cup Classic, running close to the quick early pace before holding strong to finish a game runner-up to rival Sierra Leone. Many believe his two Grade 1 victories should be enough to clinch the Eclipse in this division, but I’m not ready to hand it over just yet. The debate between these top two is far from over. Expect serious pondering in the weeks to come.

3. Dornoch. Really had no excuses in the Travers (G1) as he sat off the slow early fractions set by Batten Down. Still, he did win the Belmont Stakes and Haskell (G1). Out of the Eclipse race because of his premature retirement, he will stay in my rankings for now because he is in the top three and would be on my Eclipse ballot if the season ended today.

4. Forever Young. Surprisingly, Forever Young found himself near the blistering pace of the Breeders' Cup Classic, far from his usual late-running style. Although he lacked his trademark late kick, he still finished third, beaten by less than three lengths. It’s clear he’s among the elite in this division.
5. Seize the Grey. Never got to the lead in the Dirt Mile, and he subsequently finished eighth, beaten by 7 1/2 lengths. The Preakness winner previously scored a big win in the Pennsylvania Derby (G1) and will finish the season with a record of 9: 4-0-1.

Next 5: Mystik Dan, Stronghold, Domestic Product, Dragoon Guard, Catching Freedom

3-year-old fillies

1. Thorpedo Anna. With Idiomatic and Awesome Result out of the Breeders’ Cup Distaff, she coasted to victory over the weakest field in the event’s 40-year history. Her win was expected, and although I applaud her impressive 2024 season, let’s keep some perspective here. She faced a historically weak 3-year-old filly division, but she beat who was lined up against her. Now, with the lack of a dominant horse in other divisions, she will win horse of the year. Sure, she might be the best we’ve seen in the last five years, since Monomoy Girl, to be exact. But the hype calling her an all-time great among 3-year-old fillies is just that, hype.

2. Candied. Ran a good third in the Breeders' Cup Distaff, finishing as expected as she was the third betting choice. Prior to the Distaff she finished a solid third in the Spinster behind Idiomatic. That came on the heels of runner-up finishes in two straight Grade 1 races. She was second to Thorpedo Anna in the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) and followed that with a runner-up in the Alabama (G1). She also took home the Lady’s Secret at Monmouth before that. She has consistently knocked on the door.

3. Power Squeeze. Could do no batter than seventh in the Cotillion (G1), beaten by nearly 10 lengths by Thorpedo Anna. Previously she was an impressive winner of the Alabama, where she narrowly defeated Candied by a head. She has won three graded stakes this season.

4. Sugar Fish. Fifth in he Breeders' Cup Distaff, she was beaten by a little over six lengths. Before that she scored a big win in the Zenyatta (G2), becoming the first in her division to defeat older in a meaningful race. Earlier she scored an open-lengths win in the Summertime Oaks (G2).

5. Gun Song. Narrowly lost another one, this time in the Mother Goose (G2) last out to Tarifa. Before that she nearly pulled off a major upset in the Cotillion when she rallied after being passed by her rival to nearly come back and score the win. She has only one graded-stakes win this year but prepped for the Cotillion with a listed-stakes score and looks to be better now with age.

Next 5: Tarifa, Ways and Means, Leslie's Rose, Nothing Like You, Hope Road

Turf males

1. Johannes. Ran great in the Breeders' Cup Mile, finishing ahead of everyone except More Than Looks. No other has done enough to unseat him from this spot so as of now he will get my No. 1 vote for the Eclipse in this division. Before the Mile he scored in the City of Hope Mile (G2) at Santa Anita for his fourth graded-stakes win of the season.

2. Carl Spackler. He too never really got on track in the Mile. Finishing sixth, beaten by a little over two lengths, he didn't run badly at all, so he maintains this spot based on his resume this season. Before the Breeders' Cup he notched his second straight Grade 1 win in the Turf Mile at Keeneland.

3. Far Bridge. Never really got on track in the Breeders' Cup Turf, finishing ninth but beaten by only five lengths. Before the Breeders' Cup, he was on a two-race winning streak. After a slow start to his season, Far Bridge won the Joe Hirsch (G1) and Sword Dancer (G1).

4. More Than Looks. No, he won't be ranked No. 1 here with one win in 2024. Sure, it was a big win, but let’s not forget he had only two other starts this season and was runner-up to Carl Spackler in both. Now retired, he falls short of my top three on the Eclipse ballot.

5. Cogburn. After going 3-for-3 this season, he dropped the ball in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, finishing a lackluster fifth. Given that, he likely deserves an even bigger drop. And with major turf races still on the horizon, he just might get it.

Next 5: Measured Time, Master of the Seas, Gold Phoenix, Silver Knott, Nation's Pride

Turf females

1. Moira. A fan-favorite win in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf finally gives her a Grade 1 win after six attempts. But now what? This division is a mess, with no filly truly dominating all year. Does she deserve the Eclipse? I'm not sold yet. In the 45-year history of this award, only four have taken it with only one Grade 1 win.

2. Didia. Bounced back strongly from two recent letdowns to nearly steal the Breeders' Cup Mile, finishing a close third, just a half-length off the winner. The Just a Game (G1) winner from Belmont Stakes weekend reclaimed her spot in the top five, where she has belonged for most of the season.

3. Gina Romantica. Was super impressive last out in the First Lady (G1) at Keeneland, defeating Chili Flag and Whitebeam for her second win in this race in as many years. Gina has made a habit of showing up at Keeneland, winning a Grade 1 there three years in a row. Could run next in the Matriarch (G1) at Santa Anita in December.

4. War Like Goddess. Came up short again in a Breeders' Cup race, this time finishing fifth behind Moira in the Filly & Mare Turf, beaten by a little over two lengths. Before that effort she ran very well in the Joe Hirsch against the males when runner-up to Far Bridge. She ran well in her previous four starts this season but managed to win only once.

5. Whitebeam. She couldn’t have picked a worse time to throw in a clunker, finishing ninth in the First Lady when the spotlight was on her. That kind of performance knocked her out of the No. 1 spot. This summer, she was on top of the world after winning the Diana (G1) against the deepest field of female turf horses we’ve seen this year. Before that, she was runner-up in two graded stakes, so it's not like she’s been off her game. But that First Lady flop? I didn't see that coming.

Next 5: Anisette, Chili Flag, Beaute Cachee, Beautiful Love, Full Count Felicia

Male sprinters

1. The Chosen Vron. Remains at the top despite his upset loss in the Pat O’Brien (G2), where he finished a close runner-up to Raging Torrent. It was his first defeat in six starts this season. By today’s standards his record is remarkable, with 19 wins from 25 starts and only two finishes off the board. Eighteen of those wins have come in stakes races. Missed the Breeders' Cup but is 5-for-6 this year, all of his win in stakes that include the Bing Crosby (G1). Gets my vote for the Eclipse in division.

2. Straight No Chaser. Scored a big win in the Breeders' Cup Sprint in just his third start of 2024. No, he doesn't vault to No. 1 in these rankings. His only other win of the season was the Santa Anita Sprint Championship (G2), and his only other start this season was an off-the-board finish at Aqueduct in the Runhappy (G3).

3. Mullikin. Third in the Breeders' Cup Sprint, he was beaten by three lengths. Before that he scored his first Grade 1 victory in the Forego at Saratoga after his first graded-stakes win in the Nerud (G2) at Aqueduct in July. Overall this 4-year-old colt by Violence is 5-for-10 in his career.

4. Gun Pilot. Fourth in the Breeders' Cup Sprint, he was just a head behind Mullikin, whom he was runner-up to in the Forego one race prior and was third as the favorite in the True North (G2) on Belmont Stakes weekend. Earlier this season he notched his first stakes win in the Churchill Downs Stakes (G1).

5. Nakatomi. Disappointed in the Breeders' Cup Sprint as he never really got going, finishing sixth. He had a nice win when defeating Skelly in the Vanderbilt (G1) at Saratoga earlier this season. Before that, he ran third in both of his starts.

Next 5: Federal Judge, Raging Torrent, Domestic Product, Post Time, Skelly

Female sprinters

1. Soul of an Angel. Closed like a rocket to capture the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint. Could that give her Eclipse? It's hard not to be impressed by a mare who threw it down 10 times this year against the best in her own division and among older dirt females. She proved her versatility with a sprint win in the Princess Rooney (G3) and a mile score in the Ruffian (G2) earlier this season, where she topped Randomized. She’s earned her stripes, and right now, she’s my Eclipse pick in a division begging for a standout.

2. Society. Runner-up in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint as the favorite, she came up just short, losing by a half-length. She scored her first win of 2024 in a big one a race before, defeating Vahva and Scylla in the Ballerina (G1). In her only other start this season, she was third to Vahva in the Chicago (G3).

3. Vahva. Biggest disappointment of the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint was this gal as she finished eighth. Before that she was third behind Society in the Ballerina. But she stays ranked here because of her earlier season successes. She delivered an impressive win in the Chicago at Churchill Downs, running down Society in the stretch. Earlier she defeated Alva Starr in the Derby City Distaff (G1) with a comfortable two-length victory after finishing runner-up to the same rival in the Madison (G1) at Keeneland in April.

4. Sweet Azteca. Was stunningly off the board at 1-9 odds in the four-horse Chillingworth Stakes at Santa Anita. Before that she had been dominant this season winning four of her five starts. When she is on her game she is among the best in this division.

5. Ways and Means. Found the waters a bit too deep in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, where she checked in fifth. Last out she scored a win against older in the Gallant Bloom (G2). Before that win she scored an impressive win in the Test (G1) for her first stakes win.

Next 5: Scylla, Spirit Wind, Pleasant, One Magic Philly, Zeitlos

2-year-old males

1. Citizen Bull. Very impressive in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, where he was never really threatened and cruised to a wire-to-wire win. That’s two consecutive Grade 1s on the front end, following his impressive American Pharoah (G1) score. With a 3-for-4 record, he’s locked in as the Eclipse winner for his division. No debate needed.

2. Gaming. Followed his stablemate Citizen Bull around the oval in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile to finish a clear runner-up, more than three lengths clear of the others. The Del Mar Futurity (G1) winner is 2-for-3 this season.

3. Chancer McPatrick. Off the board in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, he stays near the top here. Why? Because those first three starts were impressive, with two Grade 1 wins that made him a standout early on.

4. East Avenue. He blew the break in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, and for a horse who clearly needs the lead, that was game over. But here’s the thing. Champions don’t get excuses for missed break. They adapt and still make a race of it. He didn’t, winding up ninth. Before that, he looked strong, going wire to wire in the Breeders' Futurity (G1) for his second straight win.

5. Jonathan's Way. A mild disappointment in the Breeder's Cup, he finished seventh. Before that he won the Iroquois (G3) going wire to wire. He is 2-for-3 in his career.

Next 5: Getaway Car, Ferocious, Showcase, Tip Top Thomas, Owen Almighty

2-year-old fillies

1. Immersive. Aside from Thorpedo Anna's Distaff, no one on the dirt impressed more than this gal at the Breeders' Cup. And like Thorpedo, she’s a lock for the Eclipse. With a 4-for-4 record and three Grade 1s under her belt, she’s off to great start to her career.

2. Vodka With a Twist. Runner-up again, this time to Immersive in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. Gotta love seeing a 2-year-old filly with six starts under her belt already. This one’s 2-for-6, and although she hasn’t snagged a win in her last three outings, she’s been knocking on the door as runner-up in the Sorrento (G3) and Del Mar Debutante (G1) as well. Consistent, but still waiting to land the big one.

3. Scottish Lassie. Fourth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, she was over nine lengths clear of the others. Before that she blew away the Frizette (G1) field by nine lengths.

4. Quickick. Third in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, this daughter of McKinzie finished runner-up behind Immersive in the Alcibiades (G1) one start earlier.

5. Non Compliant. Now unbeaten in two starts, she made easy work of her first graded-stakes test in the Oak Leaf (G2) at Santa Anita, cruising past five rivals for the win. As a daughter of Tiz the Law, she already has pedigree on her side. Missed the Breeders' Cup.

Next 5: Quietside, La Cara, Tenma, Nooni, With the Angels

Decoding the Turf Male Eclipse

Heading into the Breeders’ Cup, the turf male Eclipse race boiled down to four names: Johannes, Carl Spackler, Cogburn and Far Bridge. No other horse even had a hoof in the door. Sure, a flashy Breeders’ Cup win might sway the "what-have-you-done-for-me-lately" crowd, those voters who treat the season like it starts and ends in one weekend. But no Breeders’ Cup surprise could cobble together a résumé strong enough to dethrone these four legitimate contenders.

Johannes, Far Bridge and Carl Spackler held the top three spots in my rankings heading into the Breeders’ Cup, and the results did little to shake up that order.

Let’s start with Cogburn. As a turf sprinter, winning the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint was a non-negotiable prerequisite for Eclipse consideration in my book. With only three starts this season, the pressure was on, and as the overwhelming favorite, he needed to deliver. But for reasons unknown, Cogburn couldn’t fire his best shot, finishing a disappointing fifth and all but extinguishing his Eclipse hopes.

Next, Far Bridge in the Breeders’ Cup Turf. After a sluggish start to 2024 that saw him finish off the board in two graded stakes, Far Bridge turned things around in style with Grade 1 wins in the Sword Dancer and Turf Classic. That momentum vaulted him to No. 2 in the division, making him a serious contender if he delivered a strong Breeders’ Cup performance. Instead, a ninth-place finish derailed his Eclipse campaign.

With Far Bridge out, the focus shifted squarely to Carl Spackler and Johannes, who were set to clash in the Breeders’ Cup Mile. For either, a win would have all but clinched the Eclipse, given the results in the Turf.

Carl Spackler entered the Mile off an impressive streak of three dominant performances, including two major Grade 1 wins. In his five 2024 starts leading up to the Breeders’ Cup, he was off the board just once, a fifth in the Poker (G3). He’d become the East Coast’s middle-distance turf king.

Out west, Johannes was his California counterpart, dominating with a 4-for-4 record on the year, including the Shoemaker Mile (G1). Heading into the Breeders’ Cup, Johannes sat atop the division, and a strong showing likely would have sealed the deal.

Well, neither won. Johannes came close, finishing a hard-fought second by 3/4 of a length to More Than Looks, who was winless on the season. Carl Spackler, meanwhile, finished sixth.

In the end, the Breeders' Cup didn’t shift my rankings much. Johannes stays at No. 1, with Carl Spackler and Far Bridge rounding out the top three. Let’s be honest. If Johannes had been based on the East Coast with the same record, there’d be no debate. But since he campaigned solely in California, I fully expect some voters to dock him for that coastal bias.

I hear the shouting now. What about More Than Looks, the Breeders’ Cup Mile winner? The Eclipse Awards aren’t the Breeders’ Cup awards handed out for one flashy, late-season surprise. More Than Looks ran only three times in 2024, losing twice to Carl Spackler before pulling off his Breeders’ Cup upset win. A résumé like that doesn’t hold a candle to Johannes, let alone Carl Spackler’s consistent body of work. The Eclipse is about the full season, not a single win.

So, the turf males weren’t all that hard to sort out after all. Johannes, Carl Spackler and Far Bridge will be the top three on my ballot. Next week, I’ll tackle the older dirt males. Buckle up, it’s going to be quite the ride.