ZATT’s Midseason Awards
Never one to wait until the end before anticipating what might come to be, I offer ZATT's Midseason Awards of 2013 to the horses that would win if the season ended today...
Three-Year-Old - Oxbow - The Derby winner would have been easy to select, but this gutsy little son of Awesome Again has beaten him in two in a row.
Three-Year-Old Filly - Princess of Sylmar - The Kentucky Oaks may have been a shocker to some, but just check her excellent record.
Older Male - Game On Dude - The old California to West Virginia route worked just fine for this glorious gelding.
Older Female - Tiz Miz Sue - Until Royal Delta gets her act together, the leader of this division is the mare who has been the most consistent.
Turf Male - Wise Dan - In a virtual toss-up with Point of Entry, I have to go with the one who is healthy right now.
Turf Female - Stephanie’s Kitten - Two exciting wins, on some of our biggest stages, earn this Ramsey runner the top spot.
Sprint Male - Sahara Sky - Delaunay has been a monster this year, but this one has got it done against a bit better, and on both coasts.
Sprint Female - Aubby K - Nice four-year-old filly may only be a placeholder until The Doll returns.
Yes, I know it’s a little early for these, but let’s get an early start …
Two-Year-Old - Debt Ceiling - Two races, and two impressive wins in Maryland. I look forward to seeing him run against better competition.
Two-Year-Old Filly - Teardrop - Electrifying winner of a Churchill Downs maiden, she makes her stakes debut in next week’s Debutante.
They may not be categories of the Eclipse Awards, but maybe they should be …
Loveable Loser - Cross Traffic - The only thing better than his losing Westchester performance was his second place run in the Met Mile.
Marathon Man - Calidoscopio - The 12 furlongs of the Brooklyn may have been a little short for him, but he flew home a winner anyway.
Comeback Horse - Paynter - Do I really need to explain this one?
Drumroll please …
Horse of the Year - Game On Dude - Three races, and three impressive wins. Bigger tests loom, but for now, The Dude abides.