California Chrome unites fans young and old

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Sports teams have a way of dividing friends and family. But the entire Central Valley stands united over a Coalinga-bred colt on the verge of running into the record books. The excitement is building over California Chrome's run at the Belmont Stakes.

California Chrome seems destined for horse racing immortality. But the speedy colt born and bred at Harris Farms in Coalinga has one more Triple Crown test and Valley fans young and old can't wait.

Not far from John Harris' river ranch in Sanger where California Chrome trained, the kids at Centerville school put up an eye-catching sign with red plastic cups scrunched into the cyclone fence.

It's been a big hit in the small community. Kids here learned all about California Chrome - the local colt who's hit the big-time.

Principal Lisa Houston said, "Well it's exciting to us because we have the connection of Harris Ranch being so close to us and California Chrome being trained just down the road."

Chrome's success has made 6th graders Maddie Viau and Stacia Hill very proud to be from Centerville.

Viau said, "He is very close to our school and he is on his way to victory."

Hill added, "Honestly since a little horse like him can do anything, like us."

Harris Farms CEO John Harris stopped by the school to say thanks but has been in New York for the Belmont Stakes.

Harris explained, "This horse has been such a superstar it definitely gets you into the party. It's really fun and reassuring we could do it."

Several hundred horse racing fans will place bets and watch the big race on monitors at the Brian Tatarian grandstand at the Fresno fairgrounds.

The party hopes to mark the crowning achievement for a horse that's won the hearts of an entire country.

Big Fresno Fair CEO John Alkire said, "It's incredible and I think it's going to be noteworthy some day for a movie. There's just too many unique characteristics of his whole story from day one."

After wins at the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, it's time for the Belmont Stakes. California Chrome is just a mile and a half away from horse racing's elusive Triple Crown.