2011 Breeders' Cup: Poor Showing Wont Keep Havre De Grace from Horse of the Year

Havre de Grace's disappointment from the Breeders' Cup will be short lived as she will soon be picking up Horse of the Year honors.

This talented filly had her sights on winning the Breeders' Cup, but a slow start doomed her. She made an impressive late race charge, but couldn't finish higher than fourth.

A win in this race would have all but guaranteed Havre de Grace the Horse of the Year honors. However, the finishing order means she will still take home the distinguished honor. 

Drosselmeyer was first, Game on Dude second and Ruler on Ice third in the 2011 Breeders' Cup. Drosselmeyer came out of relative obscurity to win this one, and he is not a real threat to win Horse of the Year.

Game on Dude could have made a serious claim to the honor had he held onto his lead, but the second place finish is not going to be enough to pass up Havre de Grace.

The fourth place finish was the first time in 15 career starts that the filly had not finished in the money.

She has had a stellar year. Other than the Breeders' Cup, her only loss was a photo finish defeat to Blind Luck from a perfect record.

She's won three Grade 1 races in 2011, along with two Grade 3s.

Her biggest victory was a dominant performance at the Grade 1 Woodward Handicap at Saratoga.

Havre de Grace has been the most impressive year, and she deserves and will get the Horse of the Year honor to show for it.