THE Cartier Racing Awards are the most coveted in European racing and they have deservedly earned that status. Now, on the eve of the 26th awards which will be presented in London on Tuesday week, the competition for the Horse of the Year accolade could not be closer.

If you look at the points standing, Minding holds a commanding lead from her stablemate Found and the French-trained Almanzor. However this is not the only criteria for selecting the winner, and actually is responsible for 30% of the final decision.

A public vote is worth 35%, while the final 35% will be generated by a panel of respected racing journalists who will debate the relative merits of the contenders. So, while Minding might look to be home and hosed, it will be a much closer-run affair. It is not hard to imagine that her only real challenge will actually come from Almanzor.

Both three-year-olds have won eight times, with the filly starting on 12 occasions and Almanzor 10 times. The colt has been out of the money once, Minding has never been in that position and her career earnings of £2.26 million is a shade ahead of her rival.

All but one of Minding’s wins have been gained in Group 1 races and she has only once been beaten at that level – ironically by Almanzor and Found.

Almanzor, on the other hand, has won three times at Group 1 level and only run four times at the highest division. That is in no way to diminish his achievements, but rather to state a fact.

Interestingly, both Almanzor and Minding are likely to race on at four and this is the best news that racing could receive. How special it is to be able to witness such talent for longer.

Aidan O’Brien has trained Group 1 winners for 20 years, and put some of the finest talent ever to grace the turf through his hands. With 270 successes at the highest level it is interesting to note that just three horses have ever been successful in seven Group 1 races. Minding joins Rock Of Gibraltar and Yeats in having that honour.

It is odds on that Minding will, all things going well, set a new mark in the annals of Ballydoyle and she is easily the most successful filly to race from there during Aidan’s reign. Misty For Me and Peeping Fawn are next best with four Group 1 races each.

Could there be a better case for Minding to be Horse of the Year?