The deepest field of the year, so far, lined up to contest the 111th running of The Metropolitan Handicap. Last year's dual classic winner Funny Cide, '02 filly champion Azeri, Strong Hope, winner of The Jim Dandy Stakes over Empire Maker, and Pico Central, recent winner of The Carter Handicap, were among the field who entered the starting gate on a rainy afternoon. Pico Central pulled away in the stretch then held off Bowman's Band near the line.
Azeri goes to post
Pico Central, Alex Solis up, finishes in front of Bowman's Band