Two down and one more to go. California Chrome has kept its hopes alive of winning the first Triple Crown since 1978 by winning the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. Now trainer Art Sherman, jockey Victor Espinoza and California Chrome are all on the verge of making horse racing history.
With an even price to win at the Belmont Park, can California Chrome join the short list of elite horses that has won the Triple Crown? Check out our review of the complete field in our race preview plus see which other horses in the field have the best chances of pulling the rug underneath California Chrome in our Belmont Stakes sleeper predictions article.
There won’t be another Triple Crown race until next year. Don’t miss the chance of betting on this huge race by signing up for a betting account now.
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Three Reasons Why California Chrome Will Win the 2014 Belmont Stakes
1. Consistent Dominance
It’s hard to look at California Chrome and argue that he’s not the prohibitive favorite to win the Belmont Stakes, especially considering the body of work he has accomplished thus far. The three-year old colt has not lost a race this year – simple as that.
[sc:Other240banner ]Sure, California Chrome has finished sixth twice before, but that was when his camp was yet to adjust. And when they finally did, California Chrome became a terror on the tracks. Among those adjustments, probably none was more important than changing California Chrome’s jockey from Alberto Delgado to Victor Espinoza.
2. Jockey Victor Espinoza
Twelve years after coming up short of winning the Triple Crown, Victor Espinoza finds himself flirting with another date with history. In 2002, Espinoza guided War Emblem to first place finishes in the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes, but lost in the final leg at Belmont Park.
However, the former bus driver is adamant that he and California Chrome will accomplish what the last 12 horses to win the first two legs of the Triple Crown have failed to do: win it all at the Belmont. Ever since Espinoza took the saddle of California Chrome, the Art Sherman-trained colt hasn’t lost a race, a six-race winning streak.
3. He is Allowed to Use Nasal Strip
Just after California Chrome conquered the Preakness Stakes, there was news that the potential Triple Crown winner might not be able to compete in the final leg of the three-race series because of issues with his use of a nasal strip. However, the stewards at Belmont Park voted unanimously to allow the use of nasal strips in the upcoming race. But how will it help California Chrome, who is the only horse currently reported to be using it?
Nasal strips are used to improve the passage of air through the horses’ nostrils, which in turn helps prevent short and long-term lung problems. The Belmont stewards declared in a statement that using such apparatus “does not enhance equine performance.”
On a track where Triple Crown dreams go to die, any horse would definitely take any legal advantage it can get. California Chrome bettors will certainly breathe easier for it.
Like California Chrome to win the Triple Crown? Bet the favorite at even money (meaning a $50 bet wins $50) or pick a sleeper by visiting our comprehensive Belmont Stakes betting lines.
