Fiorente, Gai Waterhouse’s 2013 Melbourne Cup-winning superstar, is the favorite for the 2013/14 Australian Horse of the Year, but faces stiff competition to take home the crown after a recent drop in form. Fiorente had a disappointing performance in last Saturday’s Ranvet Stakes, re-igniting debate over which horse should win the prestigious award.

Sportingbet Australia has installed Fiorente as the marginal $2.50 favorite, but unlike previous years, there’s a number of other strong contenders. Boban ($2.70), Buffering ($6.00) and Lankan Rupee ($8) all have genuine claims with the Sydney Autumn Carnival likely to determine the front-runner. Earthquake is a $10 chance in front of It’s A Dundeel at $11. Sportingbet’s Andrew Brown said that Fiorente was clinging on to favoritism.

“Fiorente’s failure last weekend has thrown this wide open,” he said. “Fiorente has Boban breathing down his neck with three Group 1 wins to his name and he looks tough to beat in Saturday’s George Ryder. Buffering also has three Group 1’s and he could end up on five across four states if he takes out the TJ Smith and carries that form to Brisbane.”

The Australian Horse of the Year is awarded to the thoroughbred who is voted to be the champion within the Australian racing season – usually voted upon in October. The award is open to all horses competing within Australia, regardless of age and sex. Overseas performances are also factored in. Fiorente has never won the award. The 2013 winner, Black Caviar, is one of only two horses to win the award three times, Sunline being the other. Black Caviar was retired shortly after being honored, late in 2013.

This story about the Australian Horse of the Year speculation originally appeared on the Australian Gambling website.