Fresh Legs Stamp Out a Coronation — #BelmontStakes

Following-up from my last entry, "California Chrome Owner Steve Coburn: 'This Is the Coward's Way Out...'"

Here's the main story at the New York Times, "Belmont Stakes 2014: Tonalist Wins, Denying California Chrome the Triple Crown." (A commenter there indicates that previous Triple Crown winners faced fresh horses.)

Also, "Belmont Stakes: Tonalist Denies California Chrome the Triple Crown":

O.K. I’ll admit it, I just got goosebumps for the first time today. And I fully expect half the press box to shed a few tears if California Chrome does indeed win. Chrome’s loquacious co-owner just entered the owner’s box and stood up and tipped his cap to the crowd. It seemed as if the entire crowd turned around and started to chant, “Let’s Go Chrome!”

Now Frank Sinatra Jr. is singing “New York, New York” as the horses make their way to the racetrack. The buzz is palpable.

Bill Dwyre's got an analysis, at the Los Angeles Times, "Once again, a Triple Crown dream vanishes at the Belmont."

And see Steve Kallas, at CBS New York, "Chrome Winning Triple Crown Might Be Bad for Thoroughbred Racing."