Curlin, Big Brown among Eclipse finalists

LEXINGTON, Ky., Jan. 8 (UPI) -- Curlin, Big Brown and Zenyatta are among thoroughbreds up for honors in the 2008 Eclipse Awards, to be presented in Miami Jan. 26.

The three are favorites to be named during the ceremony as finalists for horse of the year. Curlin took the award last year. Curlin, winner of the Dubai World Cup and the first American horse to top $10 million in earnings, is a finalist for champion older male. Others under consideration are Commentator and Einstein.

Big Brown, the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner, is in the running for champion 3-year-old along with Colonel John and Raven's Pass.

Zenyatta, Ginger Punch and Cocoa Beach are finalists for champion older female. Zenyatta was the Breeders Cup Ladies Classic winner.

Finalists for top jockey are Robby Albarado, Rafael Bejarano and Garrett Gomez.

The Eclipse Awards are presented by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, the National Turf Writers Association and Daily Racing Form.