The three rivals were nominated for 3-year-old male of the year honors. Curlin's other victories last year were in the Arkansas Derby and the Jockey Club Gold Cup.

Curlin defeated Street Sense and Hard Spun in the $5 million Classic, most likely leading to Horse of the Year honors. Finalists for Horse of the Year will be announced when the awards are presented Jan. 21 in Beverly Hills.

Rags to Riches, who defeated the boys in the Belmont Stakes, along with Octave and Panty Raid were nominated for 3-year-old filly.

Steve Asmussen, who trained Curlin; Kiaran McLaughlin; and three-time Eclipse winner Todd Pletcher were trainer of the year nominees.

Dubai World Cup winner and 2006 Horse of the Year Invasor; Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile champion Corinthian; and Woodward and Whitney winner Lawyer Ron were nominated for older male.

Breeders' Cup Distaff champion Ginger Punch, Hystericalady and Nashoba's Key were the older female nominees.

Garrett Gomez, who led the nation's riders in earnings last year, along with Robby Albarado and John Velazquez were nominated for jockey of the year.

The awards are voted on by turf writers and racing secretaries at National Thoroughbred Racing Association tracks.

The other finalists:

2-year-old male: Kodiak Kowboy, Pyro, War Pass

2-year-old filly: Country Star, Indian Blessing, Proud Spell

Male sprinter: Fabulous Strike, Idiot Proof, Midnight Lute

Female sprinter: Dream Rush, Maryfield, River's Prayer

Male turf: After Market, English Channel, Kip Deville

Female turf: Lahudood, Nashoba's Key, Precious Kitten

Apprentice jockey: Tyler Pizarro, Alonso Quinonez, Joe Talamo

Steeplechase: Good Night Shirt, McDynamo, Planets Aligned

Owner: Maggi Moss, Shadwell Stable, Stronach Stables