If California Chrome is to become the first horse to win the Triple Crown since 1978, he'll have to do it from an inside gate -- yet again.
Chrome broke from gate five in his Kentucky Derby victory, and from the third slot at the Preakness. Positioning at the Belmont is far less significant than at the Derby, where a crowded field and shorter race makes winning from an outside gate nearly impossible.
At a mile-and-a-half, the Belmont is the longest of the three Triple Crown races. Historically speaking, the odds are not in Chrome's favor. Four of the last seven Belmont winners have raced in neither the Derby nor the Preakness.
But perhaps Chrome is a horse of destiny. As assistant trainer Alan Sherman astutely pointed out following the draw, Chrome's post positions in the Derby, Preakness and Belmont mirror Secretariat's exactly. Secretariat, of course, is considered perhaps the most dominant racehorse in history and was the 1973 Triple Crown champion.
Chrome will try to become the 12th Triple Crown winner Saturday at Belmont Park.
Here are the post positions and morning line odds for all 11 horses in the field.
1. Medal Count (20-1)
2. California Chrome (3-5)
3. Matterhorn (30-1)
4. Commanding Curve (15-1)
5. Ride On Curlin (12-1)
6. Matuszak (30-1)
7. Samraat (20-1)
8. Commissioner (20-1)
9. Wicked Strong (6-1)
10. General a Rod (20-1)
11. Tonalist (8-1)
