Everyone wants to see a showdown between Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta. There are issues involved here that make it improbable it's going to happen, but there is a way to overcome those issues.

So ends arguably the most tumultuous, controversial year in the annals of Thoroughbred racing. The sport no doubt is on the brink -- of what we don't quite know yet. But when PETA protests, congressional hearings, synthetic surface studies, steroids, and anti-horse slaughter bills, infiltrate our normally cloistered world and dim our kaleidoscope of vibrant colors you know change is in the air.

Exploring some of the current theories of horse racing including: The Europeans whipped our butts in the Breeders' Cup and are superior to American horses, and Big Brown should not be considered for Horse of the Year because he beat a bunch of inferior horses this year.

So, will it be Curlin or Zenyatta for Horse of the Year? That is the question everyone - fans, writers, horsemen - either seem to be asking or are adamant about one way or the other. Obviously, a case can be made for either one.

How does one even begin to comment on this year's wild and crazy Breeders' Cup? Pro-Ride form, the absence of any injuries, the filly phenomena, the European butt-whipping, Santa Anita, Horse of the Year, ESPN's new camera shots? That's just for starters.

Will victories over a synthetic surface in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile and either the Breeders' Futurity, Norfolk or Del Mar Futurity merit a national championship over dominating scores in the Hopeful and Champagne?

OK, I've finally figured it out. I have figured out how to deal with this year's and next year's Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita as it relates to Eclipse Awards.