1st Half Awards of 2016

I know I'm a little late on getting these out, but here are who I think where the top horses for the 1st half of 2016.

3yo Male: Nyquist- Despite the fact that 3 different horses won each of the 3 legs of the TC, I'm going with Nyquist over Exaggerator for 2 reasons. 1. He did win the Derby, 2. His Preakness was better then the Exaggerator's Belmont.

Others Considered: Lani, Exaggerator, Creator

3yo Female: Catch a Glimpse- She has done nothing wrong on the turf and in fact she has yet to lose on the surface. Her win over the Euros in the Belmont Oaks was amazing. Frankly I think she is the best 3yo regardless of sex in the US.

Others Considered: Carina Mia, Cathryn Sophia, Songbird

Older Male: Melotonin- Wait! No Frosted and no California Chrome? As much as I wanted to put the former... you can't overlook that he has won 2 of the three big California races for Older Males. Now he will have the face the latter in the Pacific Classic, but he stays on his current form then I think the 2014 HOY is going to have a hard time getting past him.

Others Considered: Frosted, California Chrome

Older Female: Beholder- Is there even a second choice? Since Royal Delta retired, this division has been lacking a bit outside of her. I'm not sure if she's going to defend her PC title, but the boys better have their running shoes on if she does.

Others Considered: Cavorting

Turf Male: Flintshire- Now that he US based, don't be suprised if he wins by dominating lengths. My guess is he's Arlington bound where he could face some old foes.

Others Considered: World Approval, Wake Forest

Turf Female: Tepin- An even bigger slam dunk then Queen B. Not only did she conquer Ascot, but there is a chance that she can face the boys once more before the Woodbine Mile in the Fourstardave. Hard to believe that after years of struggling... could this actually be the strongest division? Not only with her, but Catch a Glimpse, Miss Temple City and if she returns to her 2 and 3yo form Lady Eli? We'll see!

Others Considered: No one

Male Sprinter: Lord Nelson- The sprint divisions are a mixed bag for me. I don't personally pay too much attention to them as I prefer longer races. However I have seen this guy in action and he was pretty impressive in his races that I've seen. With Runhappy on the sidelines (along with all the legal drama that is surrounding his now former trainer with her father being arrested and a warrant out for her), now is the time to pounce.

Female Sprinter: No Idea- Yep really not paying attention. I would say Cavorting, but I have a feeling she'll be staying two turns for awhile.