California Chrome does some schooling for Belmont Stakes

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Elmont, NY (SportsNetwork.com) - Belmont Stakes favorite California Chrome did some schooling and galloping Thursday morning ahead of Saturday's 146th Belmont Stakes.

Trained by Art Sherman, the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner was schooled at the starting gate before taking a 1 1/4-mile gallop at Belmont Park.

"He was perfect in there," said Alan Sherman, assistant to his father. "He's got his lead changes down and everything. He's doing really good on this track."

Owned by Steve Coburn and Perry Martin, the chestnut colt will school in the paddock and gallop Friday and jog Saturday morning before the Belmont Stakes.

The Triple Crown contender, 3-5 in the morning line, will break from post 2 in the 11-horse field for the 1 1/2-mile "Test of the Champion."

"It helps that (jockey) Victor (Espinoza) has been riding here all week," said Alan Sherman, who became a grandfather Wednesday. "I'm sure they'll take a few different runs at him, like they did at Pimlico. As long as he doesn't get in any traffic problems, I don't think it will be a problem for him. You can't move too early on him; you just have to sit as long as you can."

Saturday will be mostly sunny with no chance of rain and a post time temperature of near 85 degrees.