Triple Crown 2014: Latest Odds for California Chrome Heading into Belmont Stakes

After winning both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes, California Chrome is attempting to make history at the 2014 Belmont Stakes with a chance to win the vaunted horse racing Triple Crown.

The 1 1/2 mile track at Belmont Park and the field of challengers will be difficult for California Chrome to overcome, but this horse proved in each of its last six races that it's worthy of the hype.

Here are the latest odds for California Chrome’s Triple Crown chance.

Horse	Jockey	Trainer	Pedigree	Odds
California Chrome	Victor Espinoza	Art Sherman	Lucky Pulpit - Love The Chase by Not For Love	5-6

Breaking Down California Chrome’s Triple Crown Chances

Horse racing fans are a dedicated bunch that would love to see a Triple Crown winner for the first time since 1978, and the best chance they’ve had in many years rides on the broad shoulders of California Chrome.

Not only did the horse win both the Derby and the Preakness, but he also won the Santa Anita Derby, San Felipe Stakes, California Cup Derby and King Glorious Stakes. Considering Chrome's six-straight victories, few horses that made it this far in the Triple Crown chase carried as much momentum.

California Chrome will be tough to beat at the Belmont Stakes.

After the monumental victory at the Preakness Stakes, California Chrome’s trainer, Art Sherman, told Mike Singer of CBSSports.com about his love for California Chrome and his thoughts about the Belmont:

"

Wow. It's quite a thrill. I knew he had to run hard this race, just watching him perform, just coming back in two weeks, I was a little concerned. but I'll tell you one thing, he's a real race horse. I'm hoping that the mile-and-half is up his alley, too, because he's a very good horse.

"

For fans, the dream of a Triple Crown almost didn’t come to fruition because of a nasal strip that was previously disallowed. During Chrome’s winning streak, he wore the strip to help with his breathing.

Sherman insisted that the team would consider not running the horse if New York racing officials wouldn’t allow the strip, and the commission has obliged by allowing it.

The official For The Win Twitter account shared a picture of the nasal strip:

Now that the distractions are out of the way, the key for the entire team is keeping the horse clam and maintaining his routine. With a budding relationship building between the horse and jockey Victor Espinoza, California Chrome is just one win away from history.

As the distant relative of 1977 Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew, it’s in the blood of California Chrome to win the prestigious honor. He will do so with a monumental victory at the Belmont Stakes.

Predicted Finish: 2014 Belmont Stakes Winner

*Stats via HorseRacingNation.com.

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