California Chrome is the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978 and only the 12th ever to try and sweep the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes.
The past 12 horses to win the Kentucky Derby and Preakness failed to pull off the revered hat trick, with 11 losing and I’ll Have Another injured the day before the 2012 Belmont Stakes.
One sweep that should occur is ideal weather for each Triple Crown race this year. The forecast calls for sunshine and a high of 84 that should dip to the mid-70s by the scheduled 6:52 p.m. post.
There never has been a more important New York racing program, outside the Breeders’ Cup. And some would argue that this 12-race, 10-stakes and $8 million card – featuring six Grade I races, including 2013 Belmont winner Palace Malice in the Metropolitan Mile — surpasses even the Breeders’ Cup championship days because of California Chrome’s Triple Crown bid.
So everyone will be glued to the television today to see if California Chrome will break a 36 year old drought..
