Triple Crown hopeful California Chrome was installed as an odds on 3-5 morning-line favorite to become the first horse to sweep the series since Affirmed in 1978 after the barrier draw for Saturday’s $1.5 million Belmont Stakes.

The colt was assigned post 2, leaving connections reasonably satisfied.

"Going a mile and a half, it’s a good post position and at least we’ll save some ground there," said trainer Art Sherman.

"It gives you a chance to see where the speed is going to come from."

Assistant trainer Alan Sherman pointed out that during his Triple Crown run back in 1973 Secretariat won from post five in the Kentucky Derby and from post three in the Preakness Stakes before scoring his amazing 31-length demolition from the two barrier in the Belmont.

Wood Memorial hero Wicked Strong is the second choice at 6-1 to repeat his Aqueduct performance and to improve on his fourth in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.

He will rally from off the pace after drawing gate nine.

Tonalist, a front-running winner of the G2 Peter Pan Stakes on May 10, is likely to be given a positive ride from Joel Rosario after being assigned the widest gate in the field of 11.

General a Rod, fourth in the Preakness and a late addition to the Belmont field, will break from the inside of Tonalist and could not also fuel the early pace and force Victor Espinoza on California Chrome into an early decision as to whether to go forward from the low draw or ease back and try to stalk whatever pace materializes.

Trainer Billy Gowan was pleased with the five gate for Ride On Curlin, who along with California Chrome and General a Rod, are the only three horses that have contested each of this year’s Triple Crown races.

Preakness third Social Inclusion was not among the Belmont entrants.