Zenyatta vs. Blame: Mike Welsch's vote for Horse of the Year

Blame is my vote for Horse of the Year.

Obviously Zenyatta has had an amazing career and has brought much-needed publicity and public attention to our sport. But this award is not a lifetime achievement honor. It is based on accomplishments this year and this year only, and with that in mind, Blame is the more deserving of the pair.

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Blame's two Grade 1 victories leading up to the Breeders' Cup were fashioned over far superior competition than Zenyatta faced during any of her five Grade 1 wins in 2010, all of which came against little more than Grade 2- and Grade 3-caliber opposition. And in their lone head-to-head match, not only did Blame prevail -- albeit by a slim margin. He did so while conceding Zenyatta weight and carrying an additional three pounds in the Classic.

Zenyatta is undeniably one of the greatest mares to ever race. But this vote requires one to vote with their head, not with their heart, and when it comes to who accomplished more on the racetrack in 2010, that honor belongs to Blame.

Next on Monday, Jan. 3: Alan Shuback

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