Solis is a finalist again for racing’s Hall of Fame

For the second consecutive year, jockey Alex Solis is a finalist for horse racing’s Hall of Fame.

Solis, who is nearing 4,500 wins, including three Breeders’ Cup victories and a 1986 Preakness success with Snow Chief, is one of 13 humans and horses announced as finalists Thursday.

Jose Santos and Randy Romero are the others in the jockey category, and Gary Jones, John Veitch and Bob Wheeler are the candidates among trainers.

In the horse categories, Inside Information, Mom’s Command, Silverbulletday and Sky Beauty are the contemporary female finalists, and Best Pal, Manila and Silver Charm are the contemporary male candidates.

About 185 voters will cast votes in April and the recipient of the most votes in each category will be inducted, a recent change.

In 2005 and 2006, finalists were required to receive at least 75% of the vote for induction. Only trainer Nick Zito made the cut, so the decision was made to revert to the old system.

Inductees will be announced May 29 and the induction ceremony will be held Aug. 6 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

– Bob Mieszerski