Las Vegas review horse writer Richard Eng picks Empire Maker to win the Belmont

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COLUMN: Richard Eng
Las Vegas review journal


Funny Cide should be challenged

It has been 25 years since the last Triple Crown winner, Affirmed in 1978. Now for the fifth time in seven years we'll see a horse try to become the 12th Triple Crown champion. If Funny Cide wins, he'll get a $5 million bonus from Visa.

In two of those Belmonts, a long shot upset a Triple Crown try. In 1999, it was Lemon Drop Kid at 29 to 1, and in 2002 it was Sarava at 70 to 1, and both were picked in print by Brad Thomas, professional handicapper and morning linemaker at Monmouth Park.

Because of contract reasons, Thomas cannot give a pick here, but I welcomed his insight.

The biggest edge Thomas gave Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Funny Cide is he's home at Belmont Park. "All the previous horses going for the Triple Crown (Silver Charm, Real Quiet, Charismatic and War Emblem) were not Belmont regulars," he said.

Many horses run poorly over the high sand composition of the Belmont main track.

"Funny Cide has gotten more aggressive in his training and his racing," Thomas said.

He said he thinks the gelding may drag jockey Jose Santos to contest the early lead.

"Empire Maker is the horse who can really get a good trip," Thomas said.

"Dynever is the most talented horse of this generation. He has brilliant acceleration. He will be an exceptional grass horse who is winning on dirt just on sheer talent.

"If Ten Most Wanted brings his `A' game, I actually expect him to win. If he goes off at around 10 to 1, he's a horse you have to play."

While most handicappers consider this a two-horse Belmont between Funny Cide and Empire Maker, Ten Most Wanted and Dynever have a chance. The pace will be key, and with no pure speed in the field, the fractions could be slow.

I envision a soft half-mile between 48 and 49 seconds that would bunch up the field. If Funny Cide goes too slow early, the closers could be sitting in right behind him. Thus, if the 1 1/2-mile distance were to become a quarter-mile sprint to the wire, anything can happen.

• ENG'S PICKS -- Empire Maker, Funny Cide, Ten Most Wanted.