The best of 2008: The horses, of course
Let's wrap up a tumultuous year by accentuating the positive performances on the track. We've burned plenty of column space on the issues facing the game and the personalities that made 2008 one that won't soon be forgotten for many reasons. While it's rightful to address those points, and a job of the watchdog press to do so, the outstanding performances of the year should not get lost in a cesspool of negativity.
That's why, for the purposes of this review, the names of all humans have been omitted to protect the innocent -- the horses.
Horse of the Year: CURLIN
Last year's champion returned to race at age 4 and was up to the challenge, winning the Dubai World Cup, Foster and Jockey Club Gold Cup among his many splendors. He gets my nod because of his solid Grade 1 try on turf and trip halfway around the world to twice race in Dubai. Those are tall orders.
Picture-perfect and a legitimate Horse of the Year candidate. She's breathtaking, and racing fans tend to be mesmerized by those who can close a race like a locomotive.
Race of the Year: BELMONT STAKES
Buzz. Buzz. Buzz. Buzz kill. Still, when it comes to the news cycle and build-up, this was a doozy (38-1 Da'Tara went wire-to-wire, while 1-4 favorite Big Brown was eased in the stretch) matched only in the past two decades by Smarty Jones' police escorts and thousands of kindergarten drawings. And, who says that "What the heck just happened?" can't be as appealing as "I can't believe what I just saw!"
Best Race Performance of the Year: KENTUCKY DERBY
For Big Brown to win from post 20 with such a limited resume, especially with some questions as to whether he was better on turf or dirt, Kentucky Derby 134 was one for the ages. His slingshot to the lead was one of the most incredible moves recorded in moving images. No doubt, the sudden horror that followed Eight Belles after the race will make this one that will always be talked about.
The grass debut of Curlin, against Breeders' Cup Turf champions Red Rocks and Better Talk Now, was the one Saturday race outside the mainstream schedule that made racing fans change their plans. A potential date in the Arc de Triomphe was on the line, and we simply don't get to talk in those circles very often.
Most Underrated Horse: PEPPERS PRIDE
You read a few articles about her; maybe even caught a race or two on one of the horse racing television channels. But her 19-for-19 career and unbeaten record transcends the New Mexico-bred filly and mare ranks. I tip my cap.
Best Comeback: MIDNIGHT LUTE
The Breeders' Cup Sprint was a work of art in only his second start of the season. No doubt, the first to shoot him a text message back at the barn after the race had to be Da Hoss.
If Looks Could Kill Award: CONDUIT
I'm not sure I've ever seen a horse look as good in the post parade as this guy did before winning the Breeders' Cup Turf. Go back and watch the telecast, then engrain your brain with that image as you evaluate horseflesh from here on out.
Her Breeders' Cup Mile turn of foot was from another world, accelerating in only a few strides. Honorable mention here goes to space shuttle Ventura, who blasted off in the Filly & Mare Sprint.
Best Performance by a 2-Year-Old Male: SQUARE EDDIE
His race in Keeneland's Lane's End Breeders' Futurity was as good as any juvenile import since Arazi. While there's no disputing the resume of Old Fashioned, every single horse in the Remsen was eligible for an entry-level allowance. These could very well be the two best domestic-based performers for the Derby as the calendar flips.
Most Visually Impressive Performance: FATAL BULLET
When you read or hear a commentator say a horse looked like a runaway train, this Canadian's effort in the Kentucky Cup Sprint is the visual likeness -- fast, efficient-moving, gobbled up ground. He validated that with an incredible performance on the pace when second in the Breeders' Cup Sprint.
No Respect Award: PRESIOUS PASSION
Turf bomber paid $42.60 when winning the Pan American Handicap in the spring, $29.60 to win the United Nations in the summer, and $17.20 to win the McKnight Handicap just before winter officially arrived. We should have known, too. All Presious Passion did to close his 2007 season was win Calder's McKnight Handicap and pay $136.20 for a deuce.
Gutsiest Performance: PROUD SPELL
Fittingly, the stablemate to Eight Belles showed her sidekick's moxie when Proud Spell was able to hold off Music Note in the 1 1/4 miles Alabama. She overcame a 2-5 mutuel entry that included speedy Little Belle, who gave her pressure at every pole.
Best Race in Defeat: TWO STEP SALSA
The California speedball did all the dirty work in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile when running six panels in 1:08.57, only to wind up third. For his efforts, he was snatched up in a private purchase and given a passport to Dubai.
Best Derby Prep Win: BIG BROWN
From the parking lot, he crushed the Florida Derby cast while running just .37 seconds off the track record of Brass Hat. And among those in his wake was a talented field that included Smooth Air and eventual Belmont winner Da'Tara. In fact, this race had all three Triple Crown winners in the gate.
Best Stakes Finish: HUMANA DISTAFF
The late-running sprinter Intangaroo keyed a three-way melee finish in the Grade 1 Humana Distaff at Churchill Downs, nosing out Baroness Thatcher and Hystericalady in a race where classy gals all came to the party dressed to the nines.
Best Intersectional Showdown (non-Breeders' Cup): APPLE BLOSSOM HANDICAP
California's golden girl, Zenyatta, beat East Coast monster Ginger Punch in Oaklawn's Grade 1 Apple Blossom in April. It was just the fourth career start for Zenyatta, and a real sign of her superiority.
Best Horse We Didn't Get to See Enough of: GEORGIE BOY
Kathy Walsh's flashy Kentucky Derby prospect had just answered the two-turn question with emphasis when injuries derailed his Louisville aspirations.
Best Effort Never Repeated: PYRO
His Louisiana Derby last-to-first rally in less than 440 yards had Hall of Fame engravers already etching the "P" in his plaque. While he went on to a decent season, it's safe to say the "YRO" never got scrawled into the marble.
Best Star of Tomorrow: COCOA BEACH
Her bang-up second in the Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic to Zenyatta was followed by a win on the turf in the Grade 1 Matriarch. The sky is the limit for this supremely talented gal.
Jeremy Plonk has been an ESPN.com contributor since 2000. You can E-mail Jeremy about this topic or any other at Jeremy@Horseplayerpro.com.
