6 Horses to Watch for for the Three-Year-Old Eclipse

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As we enter the last few months of the season, Eclipse talks are heating up for all divisions. But who are six potentials for the Three-Year-Old Male Eclipse?

While some of these horses may seem a little light on the accomplishments to be considered, in this crop anything can happen. So let's take a look at some of the colts with the most talk about them this season.

No. 6: Coil

Coil's sire Point Given
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While Coil seems a little light on accomplishments and Eclipse talks seem to have faded after his disappointing 10th in the G1 Travers, his name is still being whispered.

Coil's biggest win of the year has to be in the G1 Haskell Stakes, but his resume is deeper than that with a first in the G3 Affirmed Stakes in June and a second in the G2 Swaps.

The 10th in the Travers did hurt him, but as Coil did win a "Win and You're In" race, he has a chance to redeem himself in the Breeder's Cup Classic in November and step to the Eclipse forefront.

No. 5: Caleb's Posse

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Caleb's Posse is probably best known for beating Uncle Mo in the G1 King's Bishop Stakes last out, but he has a decent record to back up that win as well.

In addition to his G1 King's Bishop win, the colt won the G2 Amsterdam Stakes, the G3 Ohio Derby and the Smarty Jones Stakes. The horse does only have one Grade 1 win and quite a few losses this year, but if push comes to shove, Caleb's Posse could be a horse to watch both in the sprinter category and the three-year-old category.

No. 4: Animal Kingdom

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Animal Kingdom's Kentucky Derby win is keeping the horse's season alive even while he is off the track. Although the horse is out for the season due to a Belmont Stakes injury, his Kentucky Derby win and Preakness second plus his Spiral Stakes win keep him in the talks for the Eclipse.

While there are others that look to be better off when it comes to winning the Eclipse, it may all come down to a Derby victory when the envelop is opened at the awards.

No. 3: Shackleford

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When the Eclipse is talked about, Shackleford is often brought up. But a surprising fact is that he only has one stakes win this year (and in his career) in the Preakness. However, Shackleford is multiple stakes placed with a second in the G1 Haskell and the G1 Florida Derby.

Shackleford is a warhorse, running in most of the big stakes for three-year-olds this year, but his non-wins may keep him out of serious Eclipse talks this fall.

No. 2: The Factor

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The Factor has been lightly raced this year with only four starts but has also won three of them. Even more impressive is that all three have been graded stakes with two G2s and one G1.

The Factor is more of a sprinter than a router, which may screw up his chances a little bit, but he does have a 1 1/16 mile win on his resume with a G2 Rebel Stakes win. This horse may prove that even with a shorter race schedule, if you make every race count, you can win the award.

No. 1: Stay Thirsty

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Stay Thirsty has been the love of the racing world over the last few months and has jumped to the front of Eclipse talks with his Travers win two weeks ago.

Stay Thirsty was an underdog for most of the year but has really bloomed and thrown out two graded stakes wins in addition to a second in the G1 Belmont Stakes. With three stakes wins on his resume (he won the Gotham in March), all graded stakes and a second in a Triple Crown jewel, Stay Thirsty may lock in his Eclipse with a Jockey Club Gold Cup win and a good showing in the Breeder's Cup Classic.

Six months ago, no one would have thought Stay Thirsty would be the Repole horse contending for an Eclipse, but now he's turned into a horse that may even be in the talks for the Horse of the Year award.