California Chrome On Track for Belmont Run
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California Chrome returning to the stakes barn after his victory in the Preakness yesterday. (Photo by Eclipse Sportswire)
The morning after winning the Preakness Stakes with California Chrome, Art Sherman admitted that he’s been thinking about winning the Triple Crown.
“I’m thinking what the journey is, one more shot,” Sherman said. “I’m going to have a lot of fresh shooters waiting for me in New York. He’s done everything we’ve asked of him. He really doesn’t have a lot to prove. He’s been a super horse for us. He’s one of those horses that you’re going to have to outrun to beat him. Maybe they won’t be able to beat him. I’m looking forward to that race.”
The colt won’t spend much time at Pimlico Race Course, a change of plan from the Kentucky Derby where he spent over a week at Churchill Downs after winning the first leg of the Triple Crown. He’ll walk the shedrow on Monday then 24 hours later will load on a van to ship to Belmont Park at 6 a.m. on Tuesday. While Sherman is returning to California on Monday, his son Alan will continue to manage the colt as he did between the Derby and Preakness.
While Sherman thinks the Triple Crown spacing should change to help the horses recover after each race, he also believes there should be a rule prohibiting those who didn’t run in both the Derby and the Preakness from running in the Belmont.
“To me, if you’re going to the Triple Crown, go for the Triple Crown. Don’t pick your spots,” he said. “Let everybody be in the same situation and do it. The Triple Crown is the Triple Crown. If you’re good enough horse to do it, let’s go. Make it fair where you don’t have to pick and choose your spots. I think that shows what kind of horse you’ve got.”
Also headed to the Belmont Stakes is Ride On Curlin who finished second in the Preakness Stakes. The colt walked the shedrow for 40 minutes today and came out of the race exceptionally well. He will head to Belmont on the same van as California Chrome on Tuesday.
Third place finisher Social Inclusion is also being pointed at the Belmont Stakes, he will ship to the track on Friday. Ring Weekend, General a Rod, and Kid Cruz may also run in the Belmont, however their connections have not yet committed to the race.
Pablo Del Monte is headed back to Lexington, Ky. and after a break will be aimed towards the King’s Bishop at Saratoga Race Course. It is not yet known where Ria Antonia, Bayern, and Dynamic Impact will race next.