Triple Crown Hopeful California Chrome Generating Buzz & Business In Baltimore
BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- Saturday's Belmont Stakes is creating excitement here in Maryland as California Chrome fights for the Triple Crown.
Alex DeMetrick reports California Chrome may be running in New York on Saturday, but he's generating buzz and business here.
Three weeks ago, California Chrome won the Preakness. Coupled with his Kentucky Derby win, California Chrome's shot at the Triple Crown ups the interest in Saturday's race at Belmont.
"Chrome. Chrome. I like Chrome," said Jane Lowery, horse race fan.
"It'll be pretty awesome if he does it. Everyone wants to see a Triple Crown winner," said Vince Biondo, horse race fan.
And Pimlico expects a lot of people to come here to see it happen.
"They'll wager more. Some people will come to Baltimore to the track, to wager on the race," said Tom Chukas, president of the Maryland Jockey Club.
The interest in California Chrome also brings attention to those who raise and race horses.
"Victor Espinoza's on Letterman. I don't know the last time he's had a jockey on his television show. It's on the front pages of all the papers. You guys are out here. We're all talking about it," said Tom Mulliken, Sagamore Farm general manager.
"I know a lot of people are going to buy tickets, $2 tickets, and save them," Mulliken said.
It'll serve as a memento of something that hasn't happened since 1978, provided California Chrome wins.
"They're a mile and a half from making history," Chukas said.
How rare is a Triple Crown? More people have walked on the moon than horses have won the coveted title.
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