CALIFORNIA Chrome will be bidding to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978 when he goes to post in Saturday’s Belmont Stakes over 2400m at Belmont Park, New York.

He completed his final hard gallop under jockey Victor Espinoza on Sunday, running over 1400m, and his connections reported that he is  in “great shape”.

Alan Sherman, the son of California Chrome’s trainer Art Sherman, said: “Chrome came out of the work in great shape. He was pulling [exercise rider] Willie [Delgado] around the shed row this morning. Everything is cold and tight and we’re ready for Saturday.”

California Chrome is 6-4 favourite for the Belmont Stakes with Ride On Curlin second favourite for the race at 11-2.