The end of the year brings the Eclipse Awards. This week's Ron Flatter Racing Pod brings together a panel of Horse Racing Nation writers who will be among the roughly 250 media and racing-industry voters who will have a voice in the 17 championship categories.

Las Vegas correspondent Mike Brunker, division-rankings expert Chip Gehrke and pedigree analyst Laurie Ross offer their opinions on all the major categories, including their varied opinions on who should be the finalists and the winner of the horse-of-the-year award.

Mark Midland takes his turn in the handicappers rotation with an emphasis on a late Pick 4 on Saturday at Gulfstream Park plus some first-time starters who have caught his eye.

John Cherwa discusses opening day at Santa Anita as it was cast against his Los Angeles Times story about the future of horse racing in California.

The Ron Flatter Racing Pod via Horse Racing Nation is available via free subscription from Apple, Google and Spotify as well as HorseRacingNation.com.