Forgive the Thoroughbred racing fanbase if it emerged from the first half of 2016 utterly spoiled.
Before the calendar could flip to summer, followers of the sport were treated to an overflow of talent from all ends of the spectrum, be it the sustained brilliance from established stars like California Chrome, Tepin and Beholder to the ongoing progression of both reigning juvenile champions and their determined challengers.
While debates are already heating up as to what Eclipse Award balloting could look like if everyone holds together, the good news is there is still a ways to go before any dust settles. Below is a look at who is currently out front in some of the higher profile divisions and who, if anyone, could be in position to shake up the status quo.
