Who Will Win the Eclipse Awards?

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Who Will Win the Eclipse Awards? A Division-by-Division Analysis

With the 2024 racing season winding down, debates around the Eclipse Awards are heating up, particularly among fans and bettors tracking horse racing odds. 

As we dive into each division, from older dirt males to the competitive female turf and sprinter categories, fans following Saratoga betting and offtrack betting will find plenty of insights on potential Eclipse winners.

Older Dirt Males: National Treasure Leads the Standings 

The older dirt male division lacks a clear standout, but National Treasure holds the edge due to his two Grade 1 wins and a close call in another major race. Despite the absence of strong contenders in the Breeders’ Cup, National Treasure’s record places him at the top. 

Following him is Subsanador, who showed potential earlier in the season before an injury cut his campaign short. Subsanador, a South American import, joined a lineup of successful Richard Mandella-trained imports but will have to wait until next season to continue his progress.

Newgate remains a solid third, with five U.S. starts this season, including a close second in the California Crown and a respectable fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Hit Show, another strong contender, racked up four wins in five starts this season, mainly in graded stakes.

 If he can secure a victory in the Clark Stakes (G2) at Churchill, he might climb even higher. Rounding out the top five is Highland Falls, who struggled in the Breeders’ Cup Classic but had notable wins earlier in the season, including the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1). His overall performance has been mixed, but he’s still a key player in the division.

Older Dirt Females: Idiomatic vs. Adare Manor

The retirement of Idiomatic and Adare Manor, two of the strongest contenders, has left this division wide open. Idiomatic closed her season with a win in the Spinster (G1), her second consecutive victory in that race. Adare Manor showed remarkable improvement, especially in her last start, the Clement L. Hirsch (G1), where she powered through the field to win decisively. 

Raging Sea holds third in the division after a strong runner-up finish in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff and a narrow win in the Beldame (G2). Randomized, a notable contender, finished fifth in the Personal Ensign after a battle with Idiomatic. Finally, Sweet Azteca completes the top five despite an off-the-board finish in the Chillingworth Stakes (G3) at 1-9 odds. Before that loss, she had won four of her five starts, solidifying her position among the division’s best.

3-Year-Old Males: The Debate Between Sierra Leone and Fierceness

The 3-year-old male division has seen a fierce rivalry between Sierra Leone and Fierceness, with Sierra Leone pulling ahead after his decisive win in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Some fans argue that Sierra Leone’s victory was aided by a fast early pace, but his performance metrics suggest he genuinely ran the best race. Fierceness followed closely in second, maintaining his claim to the Eclipse, particularly with his two Grade 1 wins. 

Dornoch, though retired, ranks third due to his earlier wins in the Belmont Stakes and Haskell (G1). Forever Young sits fourth after a surprising third-place run in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, where he stayed close to the pace, a departure from his usual late-running style. The fifth spot goes to Seize the Grey, who captured the Preakness but disappointed in the Dirt Mile, finishing eighth. 

Female Turf Division: Moira and the Wide-Open Field

The female turf division remains highly competitive, with Moira holding the lead after her victory in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf. Though her season lacked consistency, her breakthrough win in the Breeders’ Cup might sway voters. Didia, who came close in the Breeders’ Cup Mile, follows in second after strong performances throughout the season.

Gina Romantica, third in the rankings, impressed in the First Lady (G1) at Keeneland and has shown a particular affinity for the track. War Like Goddess, who finished fifth in the Breeders’ Cup, is fourth, and Whitebeam rounds out the top five, her standout performance being a victory in the Diana (G1) at Saratoga.

The division remains unsettled, and with the Matriarch (G1) looming on Dec. 1, a win by Gina Romantica could shift the rankings.

Male Turf Division: Johannes and Far Bridge Lead the Way

The male turf division has Johannes at the top, following a strong showing in the Breeders’ Cup Mile where he finished second to More Than Looks. Far Bridge holds second place after a solid season that included wins in the Joe Hirsch (G1) and Sword Dancer (G1). 

Carl Spackler, in third, ran respectably in the Breeders’ Cup Mile, and More Than Looks sits in fourth, despite limited starts this season. Rounding out the top five is Cogburn, who dropped from his earlier undefeated record after finishing fifth in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint.

3-Year-Old Fillies: Thorpedo Anna Dominates

Thorpedo Anna is the standout in the 3-year-old filly division, clinching an easy win in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff. Despite facing a weaker field, her consistent record has made her the frontrunner for Horse of the Year. 

Candied, who finished third in the Distaff, follows closely with a series of runner-up finishes in major races. Power Squeeze is third after an Alabama win, followed by Sugar Fish and Gun Song, who had mixed seasons but still managed notable performances in graded stakes.

Sprint Divisions: The Chosen Vron and Soul of an Angel

In the male sprint division, The Chosen Vron leads, despite an upset loss in the Pat O’Brien (G2). His record of 19 wins from 25 starts makes him a strong Eclipse contender. Straight No Chaser follows with his Breeders’ Cup Sprint win, while Mullikin, Gun Pilot, and Nakatomi complete the top five. 

In the female sprint division, Soul of an Angel took the spotlight with her Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint win, proving her versatility. Society, Vahva, Sweet Azteca, and Ways and Means round out the top ranks.

2-Year-Olds: Citizen Bull and Immersive Lead the Pack

Citizen Bull is a standout in the 2-year-old male division, capturing the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile with ease. Gaming, Chancer McPatrick, East Avenue, and Jonathan’s Way complete the top five. In the 2-year-old filly division, Immersive holds the lead with an unbeaten record, followed by Vodka With a Twist, Scottish Lassie, Quickick, and Non Compliant.

As the Eclipse voting season approaches, the final races, including the Matriarch, could influence standings across divisions. Keep tracking the horse racing schedule for potential shifts, as the next few months will be crucial in shaping the field for the 2025 racing season.