All eyes were on California Chrome during the 146th running of the Belmont Stakes as he ran for the Triple Crown. It wasn't meant to be, however, with Tonalist closing stronger and beating California Chrome and the rest of the field to take the Belmont Stakes. If you missed it, or just want to see it again, you can watch full video of the race.
California Chrome started from the No. 2 gate and broke clean, having no issue getting to the rail. California Chrome was just off the pace in the early going, running in third or fourth position. He remained along the rail and tucked behind horses. Commissioner led for much of the early going, with California Chrome eventually getting to the outside at the 3/4-mile mark. They started the stretch four-wide, with California Chrome making a heavy charge. It wasn't enough, however, with Tonalist beating Commissioner by a nose. California Chrome dropped back to a fourth-place tie.
Coming off extremely impressive showings at the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, California Chrome opened as a heavy favorite to win the Belmont and become the 12th horse to win the Triple Crown. He would have been the first to accomplish the feat since Affirmed won in 1978. Instead, he joined Big Brown, I'll Have Another and others in coming up just short. There was some worry that the longer 1-1/2-mile track may prove too big a challenge for California Chrome, and that proved to be true as he didn't have enough left during the final charge. Tonalist was a 12/1 favorite in the final odds.
The 36-year Triple Crown drought will continue for at least another year.