California Chrome goes for the Triple Crown

After Friday's advance wagering, he's 1-to-2 in the Belmont Stakes.

Next to the Breeders' Cup, this is probably the best racing card of the year; a handicapper's delight. A week ago the New York Racing Association thought they might have so many people show up at the track that it considered no walk-up general admission on race day; I haven't seen anything more of that plan, so I suspect it'll be like golf's British Open — y'all are welcome on what is supposed to be a gorgeous weather day on Long Island.

I have no idea what the people are thinking about when they say a Triple Crown will be good for horse racing. I don't see more people opening an online account or showing up at Penn National next week just because CC wins today.

Personally, I'm rooting and betting against the favorite. I'm playing a trifecta box of Ride On Curlin, Tonalist, Wicked Strong and Commanding Curve.

 

Not sure what I am betting today but I will definitely be going against the chalk. That extra quarter might be his undoing.

 

Yep, gotten my hopes up and been left at the altar before on the Triple Crown hype. 12 times since 1978 a horse won the Derby and Preakness, only to come up short in the Belmont. I'd definitely bet the field.

 

Let's Go Chrome!

But you gotta love a horse named Matuszak.

 

About ready to go. Remember two numbers :

1) 2:24.0

2) 1 second = 6 lengths

 

And they're off.

 

Ah shit. Looked like Chrome was holding back and steady through most of the race, figured he'd have a hell of a kick at the end.

 

Off to the glue factory!

 

Did taking him for a run this morning just backfire, or is that normal?

 

Awesome WWE-style promo from one of the California Chrome owners, even the guy's old lady was trying to get him to shut up! I am sure alcohol was a factor!

 

Interesting take on things. Has it ever been a requirement at the Belmont that a horse has to run either the Kentucky Derby or the Preakness?

That's part of why it's so darn hard to win the Triple Crown: Shorter, speed race (Preakness), middle distance (Derby) and an endurance race (Belmont). So, yeah, you pretty much gotta be a super horse to pull it off.

 

I don't disagree. I just thought it was a shitty way to articulate it. Get the fuck over it and win a race