Funny Cide returns to track today at Haskell Invitational

OCEANPORT, N.J. -- Funny Cide is ready to race again.

The popular gelding took eight weeks off after failing to win the Triple Crown with a loss in the Belmont Stakes on June 7, but returns to the track today in the $1 million Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park.

Funny Cide headlines a seven-horse field in the Grade 1 Haskell, the showcase event of the Monmouth meet. Largely unknown before the Kentucky Derby, Funny Cide and his owners from Sackets Harbor, N.Y., captured the nation's attention when they made an unlikely run for the Triple Crown.

"It's been eight weeks and we're real pleased to get back into the game," said Jack Knowlton, the managing partner of Sackatoga Stable. "We're thrilled to be able to come down here."

Trainer Barclay Tagg said the rest was beneficial for Funny Cide.

"I think he might have grown some," Tagg said. "I'm pretty happy with the way he's doing and I had to give him some kind of break."

Jose Santos will ride the 8-5 favorite from post five.

Funny Cide's presence could break the Monmouth attendance mark of 47,127 set for the 2001 Haskell.

"We have a tremendous field," said George Zoffinger, president of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, which owns Monmouth and the Meadowlands Racetrack. "There is a tremendous amount of excitement around this race, and I think this is the year to break that crowd record."

The Haskell kicks off an itinerary for Funny Cide that includes the Travers Stakes at Saratoga on Aug. 23 and the Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita on Oct. 25. The Haskell will not be an easy race to win.

The 1 1-8 mile-race features the strongest Haskell field since Belmont Stakes winner Bet Twice narrowly bested Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Alysheba and Lost Code in 1987.

Others racing today: Blue Grass Stakes winner Peace Rules; Sky Mesa, who has won three of four starts; unbeaten Wild and Wicked, who won the Ohio Derby in his last start; the New Jersey-bred Kool Humor; Iowa Derby winner Excessivepleasure; and Max Forever, who won the Long Branch Stakes, Monmouth's traditional Haskell prep.