Peter Pan May Affect Belmont Stakes Field

Two weeks before the 135th Belmont Stakes, eight 3-year-olds are considered probable for the final race of the Triple Crown.

Besides Funny Cide, who will attempt to become the first horse to win the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont since Affirmed completed the sweep in 1978, Atswhatimtalknbout, Best Minister, Colita, Empire Maker, Scrimshaw and Ten Most Wanted are considered probable.

Whether the field swells probably will be determined by what happens in today’s $200,000 Peter Pan Stakes at Belmont Park.

Half of the six entrants in the Peter Pan, a Grade II at 1 1/8 miles, would be considered candidates for the Belmont should they prevail today. Christine’s Outlaw, Alysweep and Supervisor all could show up in two weeks if they run well afternoon.

Owned by Mark Doneson and Michael Dubb and trained by Patrick Reynolds, Alysweep scored his biggest win in the Gotham at Aqueduct earlier this year. A winner of four of nine lifetime, he will be ridden for the first time in the Peter Pan by Jerry Bailey.

Christine’s Outlaw, a Wild Again colt owned by R C Hill Stable and trained by George Weaver, has won two of four.

Race of the day: Marine, trained by the red-hot Jeff Mullins, takes on eight others in Hollywood Park’s fifth, a $55,000 optional claimer at 1 1/4 miles on the turf.

One for the road: Castle Springs, a son of Machiavellian, will make his first start in this country in Belmont Park’s ninth race, a one-mile contest for older maidens.

Owned by Godolphin Racing Inc. and trained by Saeed bin Suror, Castle Springs will be adding Lasix after finishing second in his debut in Dubai on March 20. Jorge Chavez will ride.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Last Tango and Sister Patricia in the third, singling Happy And Hasty in the fourth and Guiding Force, Welcome Aboard and Slew Stew in the fifth.

Winners (through Thursday): Previous day/meet total: 3/57. Money: Previous day/meet total: $18/$312.40. Total money bet: $378.