Affirmed Draws Only Four

To say the least, the prep for next month’s Swaps Stakes came up light.

Only four 3-year-olds entered today’s $100,000 Affirmed Handicap, a Grade III at 1 1/16 miles.

With Chief Planner and Blazonry knocked out of the race because of injury and illness, Ministers Wild Cat, Bullistic, Outta Here and Eye Of The Tiger make up the field -- with none of them coming off a victory.

Trained by Jerry Hollendorfer for owner-breeder John Gunther, Eye Of The Tiger is the 6-5 favorite based on his decent effort in the Kentucky Derby.

In his only appearance in a Grade I, the American Chance colt finished fifth at 41-1, beaten by fewer than five lengths by Funny Cide.

Eye Of The Tiger, who has won two of six, will have a new rider in Alex Solis. He replaces Eibar Coa, who took over for Robby Albarado, who replaced Russell Baze, who took over for Jose Rivera Jr.

The 7-5 second choice is Ministers Wild Cat, who has been more hype than performance. A half brother to former Breeders’ Cup Mile winner War Chant, the Deputy Minister colt has failed to win his two graded stakes races for owner-breeders Irving and Marjorie Cowan, and trainer Neil Drysdale.

Race of the day: A dozen 3-year-olds will run in the $1-million Queen’s Plate at Woodbine -- a 1 1/4-mile race that is the first leg of the Canadian Triple Crown.

One for the road: Source has won three of nine at Belmont Park and is moved up in class after being claimed by high-percentage trainer Mike Hushion in today’s fifth, a $50,000 claimer at six furlongs. The 5-year-old gets Richard Migliore, who rides a lot of winners for the barn, and the son of Montbrook is comfortable on a wet track.

Exotically speaking: An exacta box in the fifth using Stop The Talking, Bold Roberta and American Anthem.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 3/120. Money: Previous day/meet total: $14/$645. Total money bet: $738.