Wise Dan scarcely fit the mold of a typical U.S. Horse of the Year. Instead of excelling in races on dirt at classic distances, his forte was running one mile on the turf, more of a European specialty. His lone victory on a surface other than grass came over Keeneland’s Polytrack.

Four months ago, New York state released the results of a comprehensive investigation into a spike in fatal equine breakdowns at Aqueduct last winter. The thoughtful and rigorous study, conducted by veterinary and racing experts and applauded by every segment of the industry, made more than 30 reasonable recommendations for improved safety protocols. It also repeatedly emphasized that there was nothing inherently unsafe about the Aqueduct inner track or the way it was maintained by the New York Racing Association.

The Eclipse Awards dinner on Saturday night at Gulfstream Park lands smack in the middle of an excruciating news week from which there seems to be no immediate relief.

Will there be Rick Dutrow jokes at the ceremony? Lasix one-liners? Knee-slappers at the horse meat in British hamburgers? Aaarrrgh! Give us a break.

LAS VEGAS – Do you want 6-1 on the Patriots to win the Super Bowl? How about the 49ers at 8-1?

Now, you might be saying, “Didn’t I see that the Patriots are the even-money favorite to win the Super Bowl and the 49ers are around 2-1?” Yes, that’s true, but I’m talking about Super Bowl XLVIII (No. 48 for the non-Romans out there) that will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Feb. 2, 2014.

Those 250 or so souls burdened with the responsibility of voting for the Eclipse Awards are able to go to bed each night secure in the knowledge that while they may not have chosen the horse or the person who ends up winning the prize they at least have spent their vote on an individual of proven quality in every single category…but one.

Being honored with the Eclipse Award of Merit is a great thing and all that, and Nick Nicholson will be humbled and proud to receive it on Saturday evening at the Eclipse Awards Dinner at Gulfstream Park, adding his name to a heady list of Thoroughbred racing’s most respected leaders.

Still, no matter how many nice things people say or how long the round of applause, the Award of Merit will be the only the second-best thing to happen in the Nicholson household this week.

Granted, it’s a little bit early for a 2013 Year in Review. But you’ve got to admit it has been a busy week and a half. Here are a few things that have filled the in-basket:

Whether it is Fort Larned, I’ll Have Another, or Wise Dan whose name is called from the podium Saturday night at the Eclipse Awards, the 2012 Horse of the Year will have had a below-average number of Grade 1 victories in his campaign for the sport’s top prize.

Justice is too often delayed in racing, and sometimes never even administered. Weak, indecisive racing commissions rarely hand out severe penalties for infractions, regardless of how egregious, usually opting instead for a ceremonial slap on the wrist . . . if punishment is meted out at all.

LAS VEGAS – Alabama’s 42-14 rout of Notre Dame in the BCS title game Monday night put to rest many questions, but left some unanswered.