Classic winner? Turn to Funny Cide
Deep field for Breeders' Cup, but gelding has the goods
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GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas - Nobody in racing seems to be smiling more these days than Barclay Tagg, the usually cranky trainer of Funny Cide.
Sure, Tagg didn’t arrive at Lone Star Park from New York until the day before Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup Classic, but he’s been upbeat for nearly a month.
That has to be a record for a man who was reluctant to take Funny Cide to last year’s Kentucky Derby because too many things could go wrong. Of course, Funny Cide won the Derby and Preakness before coming up short in his Triple Crown try in the Belmont Stakes.
Four weeks ago, Funny Cide won the Jockey Club Gold Cup — the gelding’s first significant victory since the Preakness 17 months ago. And he did it in stunning fashion under regular rider Jose Santos: stalking the pace, dropping back to nearly out of contention around the far turn, and then digging in between horses down the stretch for a three-quarter length victory.
He’s been training like a demon ever since, capped off by a sizzling 4-furlong tuneup earlier this week at Belmont Park. “He’s doing better than he ever has in his life,” was Tagg’s reaction.
When Funny Cide took to the Texas track for a jog Thursday morning, trainer Bob Baffert came up to Robin Smullen, Funny Cide’s exercise rider, and told her: “He looks awesome.”
Jack Knowlton, the general partner of Sackatoga Stable, which owns Funny Cide, said his New York-bred is acting the same way he did before the Derby — full of himself and ready to rumble.
We’re convinced.
The 13-horse field for the Classic may be the deepest ever. Pleasantly Perfect may be the defending champion. Birdstone may be on a roll with wins in the Belmont and Travers. And Roses in May and Ghostzapper may be unbeaten this season. Forget them. The champion mare Azeri? No chance.
The pick: Funny Cide.
... And the rest of the races:
- Distaff
Society Selection — Hall of Fame trainer Allen Jerkens gets first Breeders’ Cup win. - Juvenile Fillies
Culinary — Extends perfect record to 3-for-3. - Mile
Six Perfections — Filly turns back boys again to defend title. - Sprint
Kela — Coming off two wins at Del Mar. - Filly & Mare Turf
Ouija Board — Closest thing to sure shot. - Juvenile
Roman Ruler — Baffert has himself the early Derby favorite. - Turf
Magistretti — Ready to reverse Turf Classic loss to Kitten’s Joy.
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