Kentucky Derby and Preakness S. victor FUNNY CIDE will break from post 4 in an attempt to become the 12th Triple Crown winner. The Barclay Tagg-trained chestnut will face five challengers in the 1 1/2-mile "Test of Champions."
Funny Cide, who would earn a $5 million bonus for winning the Triple Crown, will become the richest gelding in Thoroughbred history with a victory Saturday. He's been installed as the even-money favorite on the morning line.
Multiple Grade 1 winner EMPIRE MAKER, runner-up in the Kentucky Derby, will break from the rail under Jerry Bailey. He's the close second choice at 6-5.
Sir Barton S. winner BEST MINISTER was withdrawn from consideration early Wednesday morning after being diagnosed with a lung infection. Owned by Phillips Racing Partnership, the Kenny McPeek-trained colt would have had to been supplemented to the Belmont at a cost of $100,000.