California Chrome makes way to Belmont Park

Elmont, NY (SportsNetwork.com) – Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner California Chrome arrived at Belmont Park late Tuesday morning from Pimlico Race Course to prepare for the $1.5 million Belmont Stakes on June 7.

The 3-year-old colt, trained by Art Sherman, made his way by van from Baltimore in 4 1/2 hours, getting to Long Island at around 10:45 a.m. ET.

California Chrome, owned by Steven Coburn and Perry Martin, has taken up residence in Barn 26 at Belmont Park.

“This means the world to all of us,” said assistant trainer Alan Sherman. “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. It’s been an unbelievable ride for us. It’s hard to describe. It’s just been so much fun. This horse has taken us on the ride of our lives. This is the first time we’ve had a horse in any of these types of races. We’ve run a horse in the Breeders’ Cup but none of the Triple Crown races. I’m so proud of my dad for him to be able to do this towards the end of his career. He’s very deserving.”

The chestnut colt will try to become the first Triple Crown champ in 36 years when he starts the 146th Belmont Stakes. Since Affirmed became the last Triple Crown winner in 1978, there have been 12 Kentucky Derby/Preakness Stakes winners, with all but one starting the 1 1/2 mile “Test of the Champion.”

“I think the industry could really use a Triple Crown winner right now, especially with a story like this,” Alan Sherman said. “This horse didn’t cost a ton of money to buy him or breed him. It’s kind of a feel-good story. This goes to show you never know what can happen in this game. This is what makes us get up every morning. You get the young horses every year and every year you hope you get a horse like this. It’s finally come our way. We’re enjoying it.”

Joining the champion colt on the ride was Preakness runner-up Ride On Curlin who rallied to finish 1 1/2 lengths behind California Chrome last Saturday. Ride On Curlin is expected to be one of nine challengers Sherman’s horse will face in the final leg of the Triple Crown.

The other Belmont probables are Derby runner-up Commanding Curve, Derby fourth-place horse Wicked Strong, Samraat, Tonalist, Commissioner, Intense Holiday and Preakness third-place finisher Social Inclusion. General a Rod, Ring Weekend and Kid Cruz are currently questionable for the $1.5 million stakes.

Categorized in: Horses