Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner California Chrome is expected to arrive at Belmont Park Tuesday morning to prepare for 146th running of the $1.5 million Belmont Stakes on June 7.
The colt, trained by Art Sherman, will try to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed accomplished the feat in 1978.
"I have a good feeling about it," the 77-year-old Sherman said Sunday. "I'm really confident going into this race. After watching him run yesterday with two weeks (between the Derby and Preakness) and showing the courage that he had, they better have their running shoes on. I don't care how many fresh shooters they've got there; he's the real McCoy."
The list of probable contenders for the 1 1/2-mile "Test of the Champion" includes Preakness runner-up Ride On Curlin. Others coming out of the middle jewel of the Triple Crown may also include Social Inclusion, General a Rod, Ring Weekend and Kid Cruz. The remaining probable starters are Derby runner-up Commanding Curve, Danza, Wicked Strong, Samraat, Tonalist, Commissioner and Intense Holiday.
The question regarding California Chrome wearing a nasal strip for the Belmont Stakes is expected to be addressed by Tuesday. Sherman formally asked the racing stewards for permission Sunday to use the strip.
[SportsNetwork.com]
