Columnist Ralph Siraco: Two close finishes mark Eclipse races

Ralph Siraco

Monday, Jan. 7, 2002 | 10:30 a.m.

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

On Monday, Feb. 18, trophies honoring the year's best in the sport of kings will be distributed at the 31st annual Eclipse Awards dinner at the Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa in Hollywood, Fla. Voting for the awards concluded Friday.

As a National Turf Writers Association member with a vote, I struggled with two of the categories -- best jockey and Horse of the Year.

Eight of my choices were solidified on racing's championship day, the World Thoroughbred Championship Breeders' Cup at Belmont Park on Oct. 27.

The following are the selections on my ballot. Let's hope there are no hanging chads, partially punctured holes or any recount -- considering the ceremony is being held in Florida this year.

Now the tough ones ...

However, I voted for a man who is riding at an apex at age 54: the world's winningest jockey, Laffit Pincay, Jr. His competitive fire, class and talent are amazing as he continues to win consistently on the Southern California racing circuit. Pincay won three riding titles on that circuit last year.

There is no doubt that Point Given was the best of his generation. There is no doubt he was the most charismatic equine last year. His four Grade I $1 million victories in the spring and summer were stunning.

But he was beating horses his own age in those efforts.

Tiznow, on the other hand, won only three races in six starts last year. But two of those were the hardest handicap races to win in America. Tiznow won the Grade I Santa Anita Handicap after dueling for the lead and drawing away in a strong effort. And, after a pair of dull thirds, he beat the best horses in the world in the Breeders' Cup Classic for an unprecedented second time.

In his wake were several Grade I winners and a host of talented handicap stars.

It would have been nice to see Point Given in the Breeders' Cup Classic, but it was not to be. Tiznow earned a second Horse Of The Year honor by going the distance. He gets my vote.