What The Favorites Eat

UNLIKE MANY jockeys, Jeremy Rose has little trouble staying light--at 5 feet he hovers naturally at 112 pounds "It's a blessing because there's no way I could do this [otherwise]," says Rose, who'll ride Preakness winner Afleet Alex in the Belmont on Saturday. "I like food too much." Here's what Rose, 26, consumes during a day at his home track, Delaware Park.

Breakfast (6:30 a.m.) Bagel with cream cheese (370 calories). "When I'm working in the morning, I don't have time to eat a full meal," says Rose. "I'm getting on the horses, I'm talking to trainers. I'll just eat it while I'm talking."

Lunch (11:30 a.m) Scrambled eggs and bacon (430 calories). But no bread--Rose doesn't eat carbs before riding. "I like to have a little bit in my stomach," he says, "but I can't eat a thing of lasagna and ride. I've done that, and it's bad. You're tired. You want to lie down."

Snack (between races, 12:45--4:30 p.m.) Snickers bar and a Gatorade (466 calories). "My valet keeps candy for me," says Rose. "It gives me a buzz. I love grape Gatorade. I may drink three 32-ounce bottles in a day. I'm not a big water person, never have been."

Dinner (7 p.m.) Barbecue (hot dog, 260 calories, or hamburger, 260, or filet mignon, 188). "Or I'll microwave Hot Pockets," says Rose of his beloved stuffed-meat entr�es (367 calories). "I'll eat just about anything at night." Rose, who's single and lives in Elkton, Md., doesn't have dessert. "But when I go out to dinner, I love cheesecake with strawberries [305 calories]." -- Ben Reiter