The precipitation moved from a drizzle to a steady light rain at about 1:30 p.m. (EDT). Then it picked up intensity within an hour. The track is now rated sloppy. The sealed surface has considerable water standing on it.

The last Belmont run on a track other than fast was 1991, when Colonial Affair took the race on a track labeled good.

Weather forecasters predicted it would rain in the New York area Saturday, but not until late afternoon. Well, they were wrong. It began drizzling at 9 a.m., and then moved to a steady light precipitation.

Funny Cide remains the heavy favorite in the advance wagering, where the pool is obviously much smaller than it will eventually become. He is 3-5 to become racing's 12th Triple Crown winner.