California Chrome: Cal Expo Opening At 8 a.m. Saturday, Yuba City Closing Plumas Street
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — The night before race day, excitement for California Chrome's bid for the Triple Crown is building from Yuba City to Sacramento.
"Honestly I've been playing horses for a long time—he's the real deal," said Joe Guzzi, who bet on the horse.
Cal Expo will be opening at 8 a.m. on Saturday and is anticipating big crowds. But backers of the California-bred horse were already placing their bets on Friday.
The Garcias from Yuba City say they're backing and banking on their hometown horse.
"About $300," said Pete Garcia. "I didn't do it, my wife did it. I'm just along for the ride, and I was her sponsor."
And in Yuba City, they're expecting around 20,000 people. Businesses are rushing to get ready for the Chrome crush, but nobody's complaining about the extra works.
"We've brought in 500 extra hot dogs," said Fotine Halikaskopria with Fotines Deli. "We've got BBQ pork on a stick so were stocking up big time."
The city is shutting down part of Plumas Street and bringing in big screens to show the Belmont Stakes at both ends of the road.
The bakery is on icing overload, and even the tattoo shop is expecting a boost.
At Cal Expo, the Triple Crown quest is bringing out those who haven't made a wager in years, if ever.
"It's been about five or six years since I did harness races here that's small stuff but i want the big stuff," said Phyllis Herron.
