America's favorite horse is hot to trot.
California Chrome appeared in feisty shape on Wednesday, while going through his morning routine.
He's gearing up for the Belmont Stakes -- where he'll aim to become the 12th Triple Crown winner.
His outspoken co-owner is well aware of what he might achieve:
(SOUNDBITE) (English) STEVE COBURN CALIFORNIA CHROME'S CO-OWNER SAYING:
"He's America's horse because we've got the entire country, if not the entire world, behind us. We just want to hope and pray everybody gets a clean break. Every horse has a safe trip. And everybody gets to come home clean, and let the chips fall where they may. That's all we can say on this deal. And we're hoping to see everybody in the winner's circle."
It will all come out in the wash... and his owners hope he'll come away with the $1.5 million prize.
The Belmont has been dubbed "The Test of the Champion"... and the horse's jockey sees the hurdles.
(SOUNDBITE) (English)
