Reply #64: Eclipse finalists announced [View All]

[aaronbees]

http://www.ntra.com/content.aspx?type=news&id=22424

* Two-year-old male: Circular Quay, Nobiz Like Shobiz, Street Sense
* Two-year-old filly: Dreaming of Anna, Octave, Point Ashley
* Three-year-old male: Barbaro, Bernardini, Discreet Cat
* Three-year-old filly: Bushfire, Pine Island, Wait a While
* Older male: Invasor, Lava Man, Premium Tap
* Older female: Asi Siempre, Fleet Indian, Round Pond
* Sprinter: Discreet Cat, Henny Hughes, Thor's Echo
* Male turf horse: English Channel, Miesque's Approval, The Tin Man
* Female turf horse: Gorella, Ouija Board, Wait a While
* Steeplechase: McDynamo, Mixed Up, Sur La Tete
* Owner: Darley Stable, Lael Stables, Shadwell Stable
* Breeder: Adena Springs, Darley, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Jackson
* Trainer: Kiaran McLaughlin, Doug O'Neill, Todd Pletcher
* Jockey: Russell Baze, Garrett Gomez, Edgar Prado
* Apprentice jockey: Martin Garcia, Julien Leparoux, Rosie Napravnik

My picks:
Street Sense - That Juvie was tremendous, rail bias or not. (But Nobiz is my Derby horse.)
Dreaming of Anna - Dominating and promising.
Bernardini - Hard choice, but his Classic was good enough.
Pine Island - Came into her own and consistently showed it on dirt (most competitive surface).
Invasor - No question here, though his total campaign continues paltry seasons at the top.
Fleet Indian - Top of her class and classy, if not brilliant.
Thor's Echo - Hats off on going for it with another Gr. 1 after the Sprint win!
The Tin Man - Most consistent of a perplexing bunch.
Wait a While - Best lady on turf who ran here more than once. (Enjoy your date with Kingmambo, Ouija Board.)
Mcdynamo - Quick perusal of PPs tells me he deserves it. :)
Darley Stable - Either them or Lael.
The Jacksons - Nod to them for breeding "Gorgeous George."
Kiaran McLaughlin - Won when it mattered: Belmont, Classic. Sorry, Pletcher's not even close.
Edgar Prado - See above: Derby, Distaff.
Julien Leparoux - Super year for him, great patience as a rider.

HOY: Invasor ... Though I'll admit I'd almost be tempted to toss him and put Lava Man here anyway for a consistent campaign. I'm sorry, but four stateside races just blows. In fact, if I had an Eclipse vote that's what I'd do.

Last year Team Afleet Alex won a special Eclipse, so you know something has to be in store for Team Barbaro.