Arcadia, Calif. ? Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Funny Cide is far from a clear-cut favorite for America’s richest race.

The same could be said of defending Breeders’ Cup Classic champion Volponi or Travers Stakes winner Ten Most Wanted.

And Mineshaft, the leading Horse of the Year contender, isn’t even running.

The favorite’s role for today’s $4 million Classic at Santa Anita will probably fall to Medaglia d’Oro, a 4-year-old colt who couldn’t win last year’s race after a long layoff and comes into this one off the same eight-week break.

Welcome to the wide-open Breeders’ Cup World Thoroughbred Championships.

The centerpiece of the eight-race, $14 million extravaganza, the Classic features a star-studded field of 10.

“That’s why this day is so unique: It brings the best horses together from all over,” said Julie Krone, who will ride Funny Cide for the first time. “If we win, absolutely Funny Cide will have a chance at Horse of the Year.”

Funny Cide isn’t alone. Mineshaft is the clear leader for racing’s top award with seven wins in nine starts this year, but several Classic scenarios could sway the voters.

Among them are wins by:

l Funny Cide, who finished second in the Wood Memorial and third in the Belmont Stakes and Haskell Invitational in addition to his Triple Crown victories.

l Medaglia d’Oro, who has done little wrong in taking three of four starts, with a runner-up finish to Candy Ride in the Pacific Classic.

l Perfect Drift, who beat Mineshaft in the Stephen Foster Handicap and has five victories in seven starts in 2003.