Funny Cide, Sarava Look to Rebound

Last year, Funny Cide won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness before being dusted in the Belmont Stakes by Empire Maker and Ten Most Wanted.

In 2002, Sarava, who didn’t run in the Derby or Preakness, scored an improbable victory in the Belmont, beating Medaglia d’Oro by half a length at 70-1 on a day when War Emblem was trying to complete a Triple Crown sweep.

Funny Cide has won only twice since his Preakness win, but he has been on fire compared to Sarava, who is 0 for 7 since moving to the Bob Baffert barn.

Funny Cide and Sarava will get together today in the $250,000 Saratoga Breeders’ Cup Handicap, a Grade II at 1 1/4 miles.

With Jose Santos sidelined because of a broken arm, Edgar Prado will ride Funny Cide for the first time. Javier Castellano stays with Sarava.

Race of the day: The fifth at Del Mar is a $49,000 sprint for 2-year-old Cal-bred maidens, but it is significant because it is the first leg of a pick six with a guaranteed pool of $1 million. Territorial, who has been second in his first two starts for trainer Kristin Mulhall, will be favored in the 5 1/2 -furlong race.

One for the road: Thermostat, who improved a bunch in his first start for trainer Rebecca Maker, should pick up his maiden win in today’s first at Arlington.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Nicky Santoro in the first, Golden Souvenir and Pt’s Grey Eagle in the second and Scuba and Rusty Nail in the third.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 3/71. Money: Previous day/meet total: $15.40/$381.60. Total money bet: $476.