California Chrome Unfazed By Opossum During Gallop At Belmont

NEW YORK (AP) -- California Chrome was unfazed by a chance encounter with an opossum that crossed the track at Belmont Park as the Triple Crown hopeful was ending his gallop.

The chestnut colt didn't flinch when he passed the cat-sized opossum as he completed his 1 3/4-mile run Friday.

Assistant trainer Alan Sherman says coyotes have appeared at California Chrome's home track in Los Alamitos, California, so the opossum wasn't a big deal.

Sherman says California Chrome will visit the Belmont paddock and starting gate once or twice next week as part of his preparations for the Belmont Stakes on June 7.

The colt is trying to become the first horse to sweep the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont in 36 years.