Examining California Chrome's Triple Crown Odds (Weakened field improves his chances)

http://bleacherreport.com ^ | May 13, 2014 | Nate Loop

[NKP_Vet]

California Chrome has turned the oddsmakers into soothsayers so far with his five-race win streak, the last of which was a resounding victory at the 140th Kentucky Derby. Every year, fans look for a potential Triple Crown winner, and California Chrome is the favorite horse in the 2014 Preakness Stakes.

The $10,000 investment on California Chrome could pay off in a huge way for his owners, Steve Coburn and Perry Martin. The powerful thoroughbred held off a late charge from Commanding Curve and won the Kentucky Derby by 1 3/4 lengths. He is set to run rampant at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday for the Triple Crown's second leg.

According to VegasInsider.com, California Chrome has 5-8 odds to win the 2014 Preakness Stakes. As for winning the Triple Crown, OddsShark.com reports (as of May 5) a +200 moneyline on a "yes" answer to the question "Will California Chrome win the 2014 Triple Crown?"

The odds are in favor of this out-of-nowhere contender looking to become the first Triple Crown victor since Affirmed in 1978.

[NKP_Vet]

"Chrome's chances of winning the Triple Crown, Commanding Curve, Danza and Wicked Strong—who finished second through fourth at the Derby, respectively— are all going to skip out on the Preakness, according to Bob Ehalt of ESPN.com"

The three horses that finished right behind him are not running in the Preakness?? Remember Sacretariat winning the Triple Crown in 1973? Sham ran the second fastest Derby in history and still lost to the great horse. Then Sham came back in the Preakness and lost to Big Red once again. In the Belmont only 4 horses challenged him and he blew away the field by 31 lengths.

[Pajamajan]

I just put my money right on his nose. Love the story. Go California Chrome!

Your thoughts FRiends? Can CC win today?

[Pajamajan]

Any FR horse racing fans here? Preakness will be run in about an hour.

Who do you like?

[NKP_Vet]

The field sure has been cleared for him. Go Chrome! We another another Triple Crown Winner!

[Pajamajan]

Surprised that so few horses showed up from the Derby. Some of them got jostled at the start, and it probably cost them the race. You’d think they would want another shot.

[Pajamajan]

California Chrome wins it! Brilliant ride by Espinoza. We have a Triple Crown bid this year-Whoooohoooo!

[dfwgator]

How did the Fag Owner’s horse do?

[rabidralph]

That would be fun to see! Great race, too.

[John W]

8th out of 10.

[dfwgator]

If only it finished last.