California Chrome Could Face Challenge From Matterhorn At Belmont

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) — California Chrome has galloped again in preparations for the Belmont Stakes, while a new contender trained by Todd Pletcher has emerged for the last leg of the Triple Crown.

The colt ran two miles Monday, with assistant trainer Alan Sherman saying the Triple Crown hopeful is training well for the 1 ½-mile race June 7. No horse has swept the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont since Affirmed in 1978.

California Chrome is to have his lone official workout next weekend.

"He just keeps getting stronger," Sherman said Sunday. "I can see it in his stride and the way he's taking hold of Willie (Delgado), he seems to like this track. He's actually put on some weight since the Preakness."

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Pletcher said Matterhorn could run the Belmont. The colt was fourth in the Peter Pan on May 10 and was recently sold to new ownership. Pletcher already has a Belmont starter in Commissioner, runner-up in the Peter Pan.

"We're keeping an eye on how he trains this week," Pletcher said, according to the New York Daily News.

A Pletcher horse, Palace Malice, won the Belmont Stakes last year.

Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott said Matuszak is under consideration for the Belmont. The colt has just one win and is coming off a second-place finish in the Federico Tesio in Maryland.

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