After luring Point Given in 2001 and War Emblem last summer, Monmouth Park once again succeeded in attracting the nation’s marquee 3-year-old to the centerpiece of the meet, the Grade 1, $1 million Haskell Invitational Handicap this Sunday, as Funny Cide, winner of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, will van down from Saratoga early that morning to face six opponents going a mile-and-an-eighth.
Making his first start since finishing third bidding for the Triple Crown in the June 7 Belmont Stakes, Funny Cide was installed the 8-5 morning-line favorite from post 5 carrying highweight of 123 pounds. Jose Santos will ride for trainer Barclay Tagg and the Sackatoga Stable band of owners, who’ll ride down from upstate New York in their trademark yellow school buses along with 100 friends and family.
“We’re tremendously excited,” said Sackatoga’s managing partner, Jack Knowlton. “We had a break after the Triple Crown races, but now everybody is really pleased to get back in the game. The Triple Crown exhausted everybody around the horse. But once we got back to Saratoga and the horse worked out, we’re all excited and revved up again.”
Funny Cide faces a familiar, formidable rival for the third time in Peace Rules, who breaks from the rail under Edgar Prado packing 121. Trained by Bobby Frankel, Peace Rules beat Funny Cide the first time they met in the Louisiana Derby and was a gallant third in the Kentucky Derby before struggling home fourth in the Preakness, which Funny Cide won by 9 3/4 lengths. Peace Rules, who runs well fresh, hasn’t raced since, but his worktab lists a string of sizzling drills.
Two other horses rate consideration. Wild And Wicked is unbeaten in three starts, including the Ohio Derby last out. Sky Mesa, 3-for-3 as a 2-year-old, ran third in his only start at 3, the Dwyer at Belmont Park in July. Both carry 118 pounds.
“The Dwyer set him up really well,” trainer John Ward said of Sky Mesa. “In the Haskell we get weight from two horses. I don’t know if he can handle Funny Cide, but we’ll see. I think he’s on top of his game.”
Haskell field
Post Horse Jockey O
1. Peace Rules Edgar Prado 2-1
2. Sky Mesa Robby Albarado 7-2
3. Wild and Wicked Shane Sellers 5-1
4. Max Forever Jose Ferrer 15-1
5. Funny Cide Jose Santos 8-5
6. Kool Humor Eddie Martin Jr. 20-1
7. Excessivepleasure Jon Court 12-1
