STRENGTHS: He is fresh and fast. Trainer Wally Dollase skipped the Preakness Stakes following Ten Most Wanted's ninth-place Kentucky Derby finish, giving him five weeks' rest heading into the 1 1/2-mile Belmont.
One could argue that he bounced in the Derby, a legitimate excuse in the eyes of some sheet and figure handicappers. He fit the profile to regress after running what was easily his best race in the Illinois Derby, the race preceding his Kentucky Derby.
STRENGTHS: Even the most optimistic of analysts would have to concede that this colt seems up against it against this bunch. This late runner's greatest strength is that the marathon distance doesn't seem as if it will pose a problem - how long it will actually take him to complete the 1 1/2 miles is another story. He is also one of only two in here, Empire Maker being the other, to have finished in front of Funny Cide. It occurred early last winter in Gulfstream's Holy Bull, and although Funny Cide was first off the layoff and roughed up, Supervisor did beat him to the wire.
STRENGTHS: Runs his race most of the time, and did so when he rebounded from his 11th-place finish in the Kentucky Derby with a third in the Preakness. He improved his Beyer by six points in that race, and should be able to reach triple digits if he continues to make progress. Must respect the experience and past success his trainer, D. Wayne Lukas, and jockey, Gary Stevens, bring to the table. Tactical speed is usually a plus in this race, so this horse will have every chance to capitalize if he is good enough.
STRENGTHS: Racing experience over the Belmont track is one of many strengths for Funny Cide. He will have expert connections and sheer momentum going for him when he tries to win the Triple Crown and become the first gelding to win the Belmont since Creme Fraiche in 1985. His ability to lay close to the pace allows Jose Santos to time his move more easily than some of his rivals, who will have to find a clear path from the back of the pack. Based in New York, Santos knows the intricacies of negotiating a complete trip around America's largest racetrack.
STRENGTHS: He hasn't had to endure the trials and tribulations of the Triple Crown, and he is fresher than most of his rivals. Considering Belmont's grueling distance of 12 furlongs, that is key. Of course, no matter how well rested a horse is, if he can't get the distance in the first place then trip, pace, and raw ability mean little. Dynever is bred to run all day, so distance should not be a problem. This colt has been visually impressive in his last three races, including his Lone Star Derby effort, where he encountered traffic problems.
Based on the speed figures they have run so far, Dynever is several lengths slower than Funny Cide and Empire Maker. But the predictive value of speed figures lessens considerably at a 1 1/2 miles, where the intangible qualities of stamina and endurance can take precedence. In the Belmont, fresh, lightly raced horses with long-distance pedigrees can surpass their previous form.
Sensible horseplayers ordinarily do not waste time on six-horse fields with two standouts, but so what? No one bets every race anyway, and even a Belmont Stakes with zero wagering value still offers plenty - bragging rights and possibly racing's first Triple Crown winner in 25 years.
ELMONT, N.Y. - Funny Cide is the one. He already has won the first two. He will be trying to win all three. He will start from post 4. And there are five who will try to beat him, after a sixth dropped out.
All eyes are on the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner, who will go for the Triple Crown in Saturday's 135th Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park. Funny Cide drew post 4 on Wednesday morning, when post positions for the 1 1/2-mile race were drawn. Five were entered against him, including Empire Maker, who has split two previous decisions with Funny Cide.
