California Chrome gallops over sloppy Belmont strip

Galloping on the track at the same time was Peter Pan winner Tonalist , who

could be the second or third choice in the wagering on June 7.

Also under consideration for the Belmont are the Todd Pletcher trained duo of

Peter Pan runner-up Commissioner and Intense Holiday, 12th in the Derby; Wood

Memorial winner Wicked Strong, who was fourth in the Derby; Derby runner-up

Commanding Curve; Ride On Curlin, who was second in the Preakness; Kid Cruz,

eighth in the Preakness; Matuszak, second in the Frederico Tesio; Samraat, who

was fifth in the Derby, and possibly Social Inclusion (third in the Preakness)

and Candy Boy (13th in the Derby).

No horse has won the Triple Crown facing more than seven rivals, which

Seattle Slew and Citation did in 1977 and 1948, respectively. Secretariat in

1973 and Affirmed, the most recent Triple Crown winner in 1978, both defeated

four others.

Sherman said his only concern was California Chrome.

"It's a horse race and anything can happen," he said. "But as far as being

worried or concerned about anything, once he gets out there it's out of our

hands. You just have to have some racing luck and hope all goes well; he'll run

his race.

"Three hard races in five weeks is tough on them. I'm not saying Chrome can

do it any easier than any other horse who's done it, but the horse is going to

try. If he's good enough, he'll get it done."

Gary Young, a private clocker at Santa Anita, offered his thoughts on

California Chrome's Triple Crown bid.

"I hope he wins the Belmont, but I'd say he has a 50-50 chance," Young said.

"He's the best of his generation, and it would be a really good thing if he won,

but horses like Commanding Curve, Wicked Strong and Tonalist could pose major

threats."

In other Belmont news:

At Santa Anita on Saturday, Candy Boy worked five furlongs in 1:00 1/5 over

the fast main track for trainer John Sadler. Hall of Famer Gary Stevens was

aboard for the move in company.

The winner of the Robert B. Lewis on February 8, Candy Boy was a distant

third to California Chrome in the April 5 Santa Anita Derby, prior to a troubled

passage at Churchill Downs.

Social Inclusion galloped a mile at Pimlico Saturday morning after the

renovation break. The Manny Azpurua trainee leaves for Belmont Park Sunday

morning.

Owner Ron Sanchez has not decided whether the son of Pioneerofthe Nile will

run in the Belmont or the $150,000 Easy Goer on the Belmont undercard.

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