Belmont Stakes 2014

Belmont Stakes 2014: California Chrome made 3-5 favorite, will start from No. 2 post
Print John Sutton/The Star-Ledger By John Sutton/The Star-Ledger

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California Chrome (Photo by Ron Garrison/Lexington Herald-Leader/MCT 
Charles Curtis/NJ.com

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BELMONT, N.Y. -- A field of 11 is set for Saturday’s $1.5 million Belmont Stakes. Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner California Chrome, who was made the heavy morning-line favorite at odds 3-5, will start from the No. 2 post. Chrome is attempting to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978.

"It's been a tremendous ride and it's all because of this horse," co-owner Steve Coburn said.

His run at racing immortality will come against a field of familiar rivals and a few new faces.

Wood Memorial winner Wicked Strong, who finished fourth in the Derby, is the second choice on the morning line and will start from the No. 9 post at odds of 6-1.

Another challenger the California-bred California Chrome has already defeated is Derby runner-up Commanding Curve who was charging hard at Chrome down the stretch of the Kentucky Derby. He will start from the No. 4 post and is at odds of 15-1 on the morning line.

Tonalist likely presents the biggest challenge to the Triple Crown out of the new shooters. The Christophe Clement-trainee was extremely impressive on his way to a 4-length score in the Peter Pan Stakes over a sloppy track at Belmont on May 10. He was installed as the third choice on the morning line at 8-1 and will start from post No. 11.

The inside post could present problems for California Chrome. In his Derby and Preakness victories, he was able to get outside of his rivals early on and get a perfect trip down the backstretch. Jockey Victor Espinoza knows his horse does not like dirt in his face, which is a real possibility from the No. 2 post, but he still feels confident.

"I like No. 2, it hopefully is my lucky number," jockey Victor Espinoza said.

Here's the full field with morning-line odds:

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




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