Songbird joins California Chrome, Arrogate as 2016 Horse of the Year finalist

Finalists for the 2016 Eclipse Awards were announced on Thursday, and Songbird joined California Chrome and Arrogate as a finalist for Horse of the Year.

The sophomore lass closed out her 2016 campaign in an epic battle with Beholder, just missing by a nose in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) to suffer the first loss of her career.

Arrogate and California Chrome had their own face off in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), with the former rallying to catch the 2014 Horse of the Year and Kentucky Derby winner in the shadow of the wire.

Arrogate and Songbird top their respective three-year-old divisions. Kentucky Derby hero Nyquist and Preakness Stakes (G1) victor Exaggerator were also revealed as finalists for three-year-champion male while Kentucky Oaks (G1) scorer Cathryn Sophia and Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1) vixen Queen’s Trust were tabbed alongside Songbird for three-year-old champion filly.

Frosted and Lord Nelson are finalists for champion older male along with California Chrome. Beholder is joined by rival Stellar Wind and Cavorting for champion older female.