Is it a Triple Crown kind of Year?

I know there is a lot, yes a LOT, of buzz out there about the Triple Crown.  You can really understand it, though. It's been over 30 years, yes 36 years to be exact, since we have had a Triple Crown winner emerge at the end of the Belmont Stakes.  In 1978 it was Affirmed that earned that crown.

We have had 5 "near winners" since the start of the 21st century.  The last 2, Big Brown and I'll Have Another (love those names) either didn't start the Belmont or didn't finish.  Some think that the Triple Crown has been cursed.  And I bet the owners and trainers of both Smarty Jones, who came in second, losing to Birdstone in 2004 or Funny Cide, who came in third behind Empire Maker in 2003, might agree.  To come so close and then see someone else in the winner circle, has to be disheartening.

Well this is the possible winner, and some say the hope of ending the curse that is "following" the Belmont leg of the Triple Crown.

California Chrome ...

Simple a GORGEOUS horse!

The coloring, the look 

all in one "package"

I know the "betting" line has been going heavily towards California Chrome, so you really won't be making a lot of money betting on  him, but I bet they would all love to see him win anyway.  I know the owners and trainers would, as well as the owners of the refurbished/updated Belmont track. but just being able to see a winner is exciting.  

The Belmont is the longest track of the 3 races.  It is truly a test of a horse and his jockey.  Especially when you think about the fact that he has run and won 2 other MAJOR races in the last 5 weeks.  It is the topper of a long trek that has been accomplished in a short period of time. 

There has been talk of "expanding" the time period between races, that 3 major races in 5 weeks is just too short a time to have the races.  Now they may make the change, but I hope they don't.  It is what makes the races exciting.  It is part of what make the Triple Crown Winners that special - they have done something that is exemplary.  

I hope they don't change it - I hope it is kept the way it is .... but then I hope that California Chrome IS this year's Triple Crown Winner.  He IS special! 

Let's face it, 36 years is a LONG time to wait to crown the next winner!

But if you ask me, he's been a winner from the day he was born.  

If you want to hear from the owners, on how they feel about this epic run, how they felt he was special from the day he was born, you can hear their own words here 

I have no bet in on today's race, but I am pulling for California Chrome.  

I believe that he IS a special kind of winner!

What do you think?

Will you be watching?

Are you pulling for California Chrome?

Or do you want to see another in the winner circle?