Belmont field still taking shape

Belmont field still taking shape
NEW YORK (AP) -- The Belmont Stakes field is still taking shape, with Best Minister the latest challenger trying to derail Funny Cide's Triple Crown bid.
Trained by Ken McPeek, Best Minister won the Sir Barton Stakes a few races before Funny Cide added the Preakness to his Kentucky Derby win last Saturday.
Last year, McPeek won the Sir Barton with Sarava, who went on to score the biggest upset in Belmont history at odds of 70-1. Sarava defeated Triple Crown hopeful War Emblem, who finished eighth.
"Timing is everything," McPeek said. "He's doing well, and there's no question he'll love the mile-and-a-half. Here we go again."
Phillips Racing Partnership will pay $100,000 to supplement Best Minister to the Belmont. The horse was not nominated to the Triple Crown races.
Currently, the Belmont field stands at eight. Among Funny Cide's chief rivals will be Derby runner-up Empire Maker and Atswhatimtalknbout, fourth in the Derby.
Funny Cide jogged once around a muddy Belmont track early Wednesday.
"The track is a mess right now," trainer Barclay Tagg said. "When it's got all that water on it for so long, it's hard on the track. I don't want to take any chances with him."
Atswhatimtalknbout has a "little bruise" on his right front foot and missed a second day of training at Churchill Downs. Trainer Ron Ellis said the colt has been fitted with a plastic bar shoe and was expected back on the track Saturday.
Other 3-year-olds under Belmont consideration are Colita, Dynever, Scrimshaw and Ten Most Wanted.
Possibles include Alysweep, Christine's Outlaw, Midway Road and Outta Here.
Best Minister was scheduled to arrive in New York from Kentucky on Tuesday. With regular rider Edgar Prado committed to Dynever, Shane Sellers will get the ride aboard Best Minister.