New Yorkers Backing New York-bred Funny Cide in Early Belmont Wagering

Sure, there is not much in the pool, but the early word is obvious--New Yorkers want New York-bred Funny Cide to become a Triple Crown winner. They are wagering on him to take Saturday's Belmont Stakes (gr. I).

With $67,622 in the pool through 6 p.m., Funny Cide is the heavy 1-2 favorite. The windows at Belmont will take wagers on the Belmont until 7:30.

No one expects Funny Cide to go off 1-5, but the message is loud and clear--New Yorkers backing the New York-bred winner of the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) and Preakness Stakes (gr. I).

Funny Cide seeks to become racing's 12th Triple Crown winner and the first since Affirmed 25 years ago.

The advance odds are:

Empire Maker, 3-1
Supervisor, 75-1
Scrimshaw, 85-1
Funny Cide, 1-5
Dynever, 8-1
Ten Most Wanted, 13-1