Afleet Alex

[RollerDoc]

Newbie here and this is my first post. I'm extremely entry level in comparison to most of you who post here.

I have been a fan of Triple Crown horseracing most of my life and always make sure those three Saturday afternoons that I am watching all the festivities leading up to the race and am always compelled. Other than that, I'm not really involved.

I placed my first wager on a horse race at the 2005 Preakness and won by picking Afleet Alex. The reason I was proud of myself for winning is that I watched the Kentucky Derby and wasn't really familiar with any of the horses and Bellamy Road was the favorite. As I watched the special on the Kentucky Derby and watched the race, I said to myself that Afleet Alex looked like the best horse of this group (especially the most athletic). So I couldn't wait for the Preakness to bet him. His recovery along with Jeremy Rose's control after the clipping of Scrappy T's heel was scary for all of us. So it was so exciting when he won. Of course I bet him in the Belmont too. That was such a great ride he had in the Belmont, waiting in the back and then passed by Giacomo as if "he were standing still" I think was the announcers call.

So here is my question after that long qualification of me. Afleet Alex lost the Kentucky Derby by only one length (I think), won the Preakness, and won the Belmont. Plus I believe he had a few wins prior to the Derby. Why didn't Afleet Alex win Horse Of The Year and the horse that did win, how was that determined a better horse? Thanks for any insight!