California Chrome will start from barrier two in the Belmont Stakes in his attempt to become just the 12th horse to win the coveted Triple Crown.
The Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner was installed as the early 3-5 favourite in the 11-horse field for the 1-1/2-mile (2400) Belmont on Saturday (Sunday AEST).
Since Affirmed swept all three races in 1978, 12 horses have arrived at Belmont with a chance to complete the treble, only to come up empty.
Trainer Art Sherman pronounced himself pleased with California Chrome’s draw.
“Going a mile and a half, it’s a good post position,” Sherman said. “He’ll save some ground leaving there.”
California Chrome’s jockey Victor Espinoza has some unfinished business in the Belmont. He was aboard War Emblem in 2002 when the colt stumbled out of the starting gate at Belmont, ruining his Triple Crown bid.
Alan Sherman, assistant to his father Art, thought the chestnut colt’s post position augured well.
“Well, Secretariat was number five in the Derby, number three in the Preakness and number two in the Belmont,” he said, noting the 1973 Triple Crown champion’s starting gates matched those of California Chrome.
After winning the Kentucky Derby on May 3 by 1-3/4 lengths over Commanding Curve, California Chrome came back a fortnight later in the Preakness to beat Ride On Curlin by 1-1/2 lengths.
“It’s all coming to the point,” owner Steve Coburn said. “It’s all coming to the top of the pyramid right now.”
Wicked Strong, fourth in the Kentucky Derby, will start from barrier nine under Rajiv Maragh and is the 6-1 second choice.
Tonalist, winner of last month’s Peter Pan Stakes, was priced at 8-1 and will start from the outside alley with Joel Rosario aboard.
