Chrome moves in for Belmont

Associated Press

NEW YORK

California Chrome arrived in New York on Tuesday to begin preparations for his bid to become horse racing’s first Triple Crown winner in 36 years.

The Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner arrived at Belmont Park after an uneventful four-hour journey by van from Baltimore.

He was backed off the van — he doesn’t like walking straight off like most horses — and then led into the barn by assistant trainer Alan Sherman.

California Chrome walked several laps around the barn before being taken outside to pose on the grass for a media horde. He later settled into his stall.

“He likes to stand out here and pose,” Sherman said. “He loves to get his picture taken. He’s a very inquisitive horse. He’s always checking out what’s going on around him. He’s actually been so straightforward to train; he’s made our jobs easy.”

California Chrome will start training on the track daily beginning today.

The 3-year-old colt is set to run in the Belmont Stakes on June 7. He owns a six-race winning streak, including the Derby by 13/4 lengths and the Preakness by 11/2 lengths. No horse has swept the Derby, Preakness and Belmont since Affirmed in 1978.

“I think the industry could really use a Triple Crown winner right now, especially with a story like this,” Sherman said. “This horse didn’t cost a ton of money to buy him or breed him. This goes to show you never know what can happen in this game.”

Sherman assists his 77-year-old father, Art, who returned to Southern California after the Preakness. The elder Sherman plans to reunite with his horse and son the week before the Belmont.

“I’m so proud of my dad for him to be able to do this towards the end of his career,” Alan Sherman said. “He’s very deserving.”

Preakness runner-up Ride On Curlin accompanied California Chrome on the trip from Baltimore.

Another Preakness starter under consideration for the Belmont is third-place finisher Social Inclusion, who is scheduled to arrive in New York on Friday.