Trainer Art Sherman has been reunited with his Triple Crown contending 3-year-old California Chrome.
The 77-year-old Sherman arrived at Belmont Park Monday afternoon from California to take charge of the training of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner for Saturday's 146th Belmont Stakes.
"The horse looks great," Sherman said. "I know he's all right because he tried to bite me right away. He wanted to know where his cookies were. We have some pasture cookies and he loves those. He thought I had one in my hand and I didn't. Then, his groom gave him a couple."
Sherman returned to his home base at Los Alamitos Race Course after the Preakness last month. The trainer's son Alan has been overseeing California Chrome's training just like he did after winning the Run for the Roses.
"I'm not apprehensive about what might happen or anything until they get in the gate. That's when I feel it," Art Sherman said. "Leading up to it, I'm going to have a good time in New York. We're going to see a few things and my wife's going to a couple plays. I hired a chauffeur; that's the only way to go. I can't drive down here."
Owned by Steven Coburn and Perry Martin, California Chrome goes for history on Saturday when he will try to become the 12th 3-year-old to win the Triple Crown and the first since Affirmed in 1978.
"We've had such tremendous support with this horse because of what he's done. The little guy is winning," Coburn said. "We're very excited about this. There's not a doubt in my mind. This horse will win the Triple Crown.
"His work this past Saturday shows me this horse is healthy, he's happy, he's gaining weight, and he's putting on more muscle. This horse is ready to go."
The chestnut colt is likely to face 11 challengers in the 1 1/2-mile, $1.5 million "Test of the Champion" early Saturday evening with an approximate post time of 6:52 p.m. ET.
[SportsNetwork.com]
