NEW YORK (AP) - Triple Crown hopeful California Chrome galloped two miles around Belmont Park as part of his preparations for the Belmont Stakes on June 7.
The chestnut colt continued his training Sunday, with assistant trainer Alan Sherman saying that California Chrome keeps getting stronger as evidenced by his stride and the weight he’s put on since winning the Preakness a week ago.
California Chrome is trying to become the first horse to sweep the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont since Affirmed in 1978.
The colt is scheduled for his only official workout next Saturday.
The field for the Belmont has begun shaping up, although one contender won’t make the race. Intense Holiday, who was 12th in the Derby, was pulled up with an injury after a five-furlong breeze Sunday.
Trainer Todd Pletcher says Intense Holiday sustained a condylar fracture of the right front leg and will undergo surgery. He says the injury isn’t life-threatening and the colt should be able to race again.
Tonalist turned in a five-furlong workout Sunday for trainer Christophe Clement. Wicked Strong, fourth in the Derby, breezed one mile in 1:39.59 for trainer Jimmy Jerkens.
Samraat, fifth in the Derby, breezed one mile in 1:41.28 for trainer Rick Violette.
Pletcher still has a Belmont candidate in Commissioner, who was timed in 1:00.77 for five furlongs.
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