Columnist Ralph Siraco: ‘Time out’ is up as several racing luminaries make return to track

Ralph Siraco

Monday, July 30, 2001 | 11:38 a.m.

Ralph Siraco's horse racing column appears Monday and his Southern California selections appear Tuesday-Sunday. Reach him c/o Las Vegas Sun, 2275 Corporate Circle Drive, Suite 300, Henderson, NV 89074.

Unlike most major sports -- and yes, horse racing is a sport -- the sport of kings has no season. It has seasons.

Although the equine set has two major goals each year in the Triple Crown and Breeders' Cup -- which by the way, officially has been renamed the World Thoroughbred Championships -- there is an ongoing calendar in racing that blends the two major objectives into one big continuous merry-go-round ride.

And, it is that reality that dictates horsemen work vacations into the schedules of the equine stars. Some are by design, others by destiny.

It has become more common than not that many of the sport's equine stars are retired due to injuries. Others are retired because they become much more valuable as breeding prospects.

But, to those who detain the ambulance or breeding shed, "time outs" are a necessity to keep their championship edge on the track.

At this time of year, many who took that time off are making their way back to the racing wars, hopefully in preparation for the second championship day of the year -- the World Thoroughbred Championships/Breeders' Cup.

Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Macho Uno returned to the races last week at Saratoga in upstate New York. Last year's Eclipse Award winner as juvenile champion had made a deft attempt at a Triple Crown run before trainer Joe Orseno caucused with owner Frank Stronach. They determined that Macho Uno, who had a minor nagging physical problem, would be better served to wait until summer for a return to the races.

His comeback was marked with the same habit he displayed while beating Point Given by inches in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile last year. With certain victory in sight, Macho Uno hesitated in deep stretch and was caught in the final strides to finish second in his return.

Red Bullet also returned to the races at Saratoga last week. This Stronach Stable runner annexed the 2000 Preakness Stakes before he went to the sidelines. A lengthy layoff produced a solid return victory at the spa on Saturday. He is also likely to reappear at Saratoga before the session ends.

Kentucky Oaks winner Flute skipped a start in last week's Delaware Oaks in favor of an easy allowance spot at Saratoga on Friday. The Bobby Frankel trainee kept to her task in true championship form and now sets her sights on a possible start in the Alabama Stakes later in the meet. The Alabama is the premiere event on the Saratoga calendar for the three-year-old filly division.

While 2000 Horse of the Year Tiznow continues to train briskly for his comeback, older brother Budroyale returned to competition at Del Mar on Sunday. The 8-year-old gelding hadn't been seen since finishing seventh in the May 13, 2000, Pimlico Special. Making his 50th career start in the San Diego Handicap at the seaside track, Budroyale raced in the early flight before fading out of the money on Sunday.

Tiznow also is getting ready to resume his racing career at Del Mar. Last seen winning the March 3 Santa Anita Handicap, Tiznow is preparing for a start in the Del Mar Breeders' Cup Handicap on Sept. 2. Sidelined by a hoof problem, he then encountered a severe back problem that could have ended his racing career. But a team headed by trainer Jay Robbins has healed his latest ailment in pursuit of a Breeders' Cup -- er, World Thoroughbred Championships Classic defense.

While Preakness and Belmont Stakes winner Point Given continues to train for an expected start in the Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park, N.J., on Sunday, Kentucky Derby winner Monarchos is still on the shelf with his latest injury that could jeopardize participation of all Triple Crown winners for the Classic this year.

The sophomore division will not be lacking in depth or talent, however. Still waiting on the sidelines for their next assignments are recent Swaps Stakes winner, Preakness and Belmont third-place finisher Congaree and Preakness and Belmont Stakes runner-up A P Valentine.