AT ROUGHLY 11.52PM (Irish time) tonight, 150 seconds or so will determine whether or not California Chrome becomes the first horse to win the Triple Crown since 1978 or the 13th horse in 36 years to win the first two legs – the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes – only to fall at the final hurdle.
California Chrome’s story has captivated the racing public as its victories have been as impressive as they were unexpected by those who are obsessed with breeding.
Despite being favourite with bookies and punters ahead of this year’s Kentucky Derby, some pundits questioned the colt’s pedigree as the three-year old’s sire (Lucky Pulpit) and dame (Love the Chase) combined for just four wins in 28 starts and ensured he cost his owners just $10,000.
However, with wins of 1 & 3/4 lengths in the Derby and 1 & 1/2 in the Preakness, both while looking untroubled, it is little surprise that California Chrome goes into today’s race as 11/8 favourite.
Wicked Strong is expected to be the closest challenger while Ride on Curlin is also likely to feature having finished second in the Preakness.
However, Commanding Curve, who finished second in the Kentucky Derby, skipped the second leg of the Triple Crown and at 9/1 offers good value with fresher legs.
That said, if “America’s horse” can show anything like the form it has shown in its career, history should be made in New York tonight.
