Game On Dude controls his Horse of the Year destiny

In the always much debated Horse of the Year race, Game On Dude, Princess of Sylmar, and Wise Dan may be the three horses that have separated themselves from the rest of the pack, but there is only one horse that controls his own destiny, and his name is Game On Dude. I believe that the scenarios for what can happen at the Breeders’ Cup, and how they will decide the Horse of the Year, are quite simple if one or more of the three win at Santa Anita. 

Scenario #1 - If Game On Dude wins the Breeders’ Cup Classic, he is Horse of the Year. End of discussion.

Scenario #2 - If Game On Dude loses the Classic, and Princess of Sylmar wins the Breeders’ Cup Distaff, then Princess of Sylmar is Horse of the Year. Another win over Royal Delta, Beholder, and Close Hatches would trump anything Wise Dan could do in the Mile.

Scenario #3 - If Game On Dude and Princess of Sylmar both lose at the Breeders’ Cup, then Wise Dan becomes the repeat winner of the Horse of the Year with another win in the Breeders’ Cup Mile.

Many would argue the order of two and three, but I stand by the horse who has run in more important races this year. 

Now if Game On Dude, Princess of Sylmar, and Wise Dan all lose at the Breeders’ Cup, which is certainly not out of the realm of possibility, then the whole thing becomes more of a crapshoot. I do believe, however, that it could be as simple as this…

Scenario #4 - If Game On Dude, Princess of Sylmar, and Wise Dan all lose at the Breeders’ Cup, then a Breeders’ Cup Classic win, capping an undefeated season, would push Graydar to the top of the 2013 heap. 

Scenario #5 - If Game On Dude, Princess of Sylmar, and Wise Dan all lose at the Breeders’ Cup, then Ron the Greek would ride the wave of a late season rush that includes a huge win in the prestigious Jockey Club Gold Cup, and become the Horse of the Year with a Breeders’ Cup Classic win. 

Scenario #6 - If Game On Dude, Princess of Sylmar, Wise Dan, Graydar, and Ron the Greek are all beaten at the Breeders’ Cup, then I believe the Horse of the Year award reverts back to the current leader, Game On Dude. 

So, not only is Game On Dude the only horse that controls his own destiny in the Horse of the Year race, but he is also the only won that can win the award after losing at the World Championships. That’s what a perfect five-for-five record, including dominating wins in the San Antonio, Santa Anita Handicap, Hollywood Gold Cup, and Pacific Classic, as well as, a trip east to win the $1.5 million Charles Town Classic, will do for you.