3 Things to Know About The Triple Crown
June 4th, 2014
01:09 PM ET

3 Things to Know About The Triple Crown

History could be made this weekend.

On Saturday, California Chrome will attempt to become the twelfth Triple Crown winner in American horse racing history.

It's been 36 years since the last Triple Crown was clinched, but Chrome is already the undisputed best 3-year-old of 2014.

A win this weekend would catapult the Chestnut Colt, who comes from a long lineage of race horses and was bred in California, into history.

Chrome's trainers, Art and Alan Sherman, (father and son) say the horse is ready.

“I have good vibes about it," Art said. “I feel more confident coming into this race than any race I’ve ever won."

So what do you need to know to prepare for Saturday's Belmont Stakes? Read on!

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO WIN THE TRIPLE CROWN? 

The Triple Crown is three races: the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes.

California Chrome #5, ridden by Victor Espinoza, crosses the finish line to win the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 3, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

California Chrome #5, ridden by Victor Espinoza, crosses the finish line to win the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 3, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

California Chrome #3, ridden by Victor Espinoza, races accross the finishline to win the 139th running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course on May 17, 2014 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

California Chrome #3, ridden by Victor Espinoza, races across the finish line to win the 139th running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course on May 17, 2014 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

WHAT'S DIFFERENT ABOUT BELMONT? 

Belmont is notoriously the most challenging race in the Triple Crown. The track is one and a half miles, longer than both the tracks of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. Belmont is also the race with the most history – it was first raced in 1867.

SOUNDS EXHAUSTING. HOW MANY HORSES HAVE WON THE TRIPLE CROWN? 

It's an exclusive club with only 11 horses with the title over the course of 95 years. Thoroughbred horse racing aficionados say that race horses and their respective training has changed throughout the years, so it’s gotten more difficult to win all three races.

See all the past winners HERE.

Do you think California Chrome will do it?

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soundoff (One Response)
  1. RICHARD THOMPSON

    One of 2 horses COULD beat California Chrome........Commanding Curve or Seattle Slew (kidding)..........If Commanding Curve runs HIS race, He should pass California Chrome in the last 4 furlongs @ Belmont.........ENJOY!!

    June 5, 2014 at 7:40 pm | Reply

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