Cauthen can see only Funny Cide

RACING/Belmont Stakes: Steve Cauthen, the last jockey to make American Triple Crown history, believes Funny Cide can gain immortality by winning the Belmont Stakes tonight.

Affirmed was the last of 11 horses to win all three legs back in 1978 when a baby-faced Cauthen, who later became Britain's champion jockey, was in the saddle.

And now Funny Cide, a cheaply-bought gelding, aims to be number 12 following his wins in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes.

Cauthen, dubbed the "Kentucky Kid" in his heyday, can see Funny Cide achieve greatness.

"I think the great thing will be that if he does win the Triple Crown he'll be around for a few years, because he's a gelding. People will get to enjoy him and, as with any sport, racing needs heroes," he said. "He looks like he could be one to help the sport. Not just here but everywhere. Add the fact he was bought for a reasonable price proves that it can be done.

"Even with the likes of Sheikh Mohammed and the Niarchos family and everybody else with all the money, it still doesn't guarantee that you're going to get the Triple Crown winner.

"He (Funny Cide) was based up at New York and he's run three times there and won all three. He likes the track and that can't hurt."

Cauthen believes Funny Cide will stay the extra distance of the Belmont.

"I see no reason why he won't be able to step up in trip as well as everything else. He seems to settle and give himself a chance," he said.

"I guess he's got a fair bit of stamina on his dam's side and as a racehorse he looks like he will.

"As we all know, there's no guarantees with horses that are bred to get two miles - they don't always get a mile and a half. But he looks as though he will give himself every chance."

Funny Cide will face just five rivals as he bids to complete the Triple Crown. The field was reduced to six at the 11th hour when trainer Ken McPeek opted not to supplement Best Minister because of concerns over a slight infection and the colt's lack of appetite.

The Belmont Stakes is due off at 11.30 p.m. Irish time and is live on attheraces, Sky Channel 418.

BETTING: (Paddy Power) 6-5 Funny Cide, 13-8 Empire Maker, 5-1 Dynever, 9-1 Ten Most Wanted, 16-1 Scrimshaw, 40-1 Supervisor.