Advertisement

California Chrome seems eager for Triple Crown try

By Robert Kieckhefer, UPI racing writer
California Chrome is seen wearing a nasal breathing strip during the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, May 17, 2014. The New York Racing Association has approved the use of nasal breathing strips as California Chrome tries for a Triple Crown in the Belmont Stakes after winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. UPI/Kevin Dietsch
1 of 3 | California Chrome is seen wearing a nasal breathing strip during the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, May 17, 2014. The New York Racing Association has approved the use of nasal breathing strips as California Chrome tries for a Triple Crown in the Belmont Stakes after winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. UPI/Kevin Dietsch | License Photo

California Chrome was ready to run in a Tuesday morning gallop and his exercise rider says he's more confident than ever that the colt can complete a Triple Crown sweep.

The Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner will try to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978 when he tackles the 1 1/2-mile Belmont Stakes on June 7 at Belmont Park.

Advertisement

"He was feeling really good today," said Alan Sherman, assistant to his father, Art Sherman, who trains the California-bred colt. "He was dragging me around before we went to the track. He's on it." California Chrome was tugging at exercise rider Willie Delgado during his 2-mile gallop, Sherman said, and Delgado agreed. "Today he was much more sharp," said Delgado. "I let him see how far he'll go pulling me like that, but then I have to slow him down. I'm like, 'No, son, you got to get back over here.'"

Delgado said California Chrome loves the Belmont Park track and should have no problem going the 1 1/2 miles. "This is the strongest I've felt about him winning a race. I said it before, if he wins the Derby, we'll probably go all the way. He's starting to show he can go over this track very easy." Sherman said California Chrome will breeze on Saturday morning.

Advertisement

Latest Headlines