[Harlow:] In three hours, we could have our first Triple Crown winner in 36 years. After winning the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, California Chrome is looking to complete the trifecta at today's Belmont Stakes. With the win he would be just the 12th Triple Crown winner ever. Richard Roth has the latest from the track in Belmont, New York.
[Richard Roth, Cnn Correspondent:] It is horse racing's biggest prize and it is on the line here at Belmont Park in New York. California Chrome, the three-year-old colt, will run for racing glory here before more than 100,000 people.
[Roth:] Affirmed won horse racing's most prestigious prize, the triple crown. At the time winning the triple crown seemed easy. Secretariat was one of three horses in five years to take the triple crown. However, it has been 36 years since a horse won the Triple Crown. That's the longest gap ever between crown winners. Only 11 horses have done it since 1990. Now it is 2014 and California Chrome could be the horse. A triple crown is made up of three elite races. He took the first leg on the first Saturday in May.
[Unidentified Male:] California Chrome shines bright in the Kentucky Derby!
[Roth:] And then triumph two weeks later in the second jewel in the crown.
[Unidentified Male:] California Chrome has won the Preakness!
[Roth:] Belmont Stakes in New York is the final hurdle before triple crown glory. [on camera]: You expect him to win Saturday?
[Unidentified Male:] Yes, I do. Yes, I expect him to win Saturday. I really do.
[Roth:] Three-year-old racehorses face challenges to bring home the crown.
[Unidentified Male:] So you have to have speed to win the derby in the Preakness. Stamina to win the Belmont. Usually it is rare to have that package in one horse.
[Roth:] The Belmont is called the test of a champion because of its rare mile and a half distance to cover. [on camera]: Here at the finish line at Belmont, the frustration has grown every year. Since 1997, seven different horses have been on the verge of winning the triple crown. Something went wrong. [voice-over]: There is a bit of a rags to riches aura since the mother of California Chrome was purchased for a meager $8,000.
[Unidentified Male:] If we can win the triple crown would be a dream come true for me.
[Roth:] The horse racing industry has been battered for decades by gambling competition and changing entertainment tastes.
[Unidentified Male:] If California Chrome wins I think it will bring a new generation of fans to this great sport.
[Roth:] The horse racing industry has seen crowds melt away, attracted by other gambling interests. Supporters hope that a win by California Chrome will provide a badly needed shot in the arm for the industry. Richard Roth, CNN, New York.
[Harlow:] Thanks so much for that, Richard. I just have a feeling that this may happen today. We will keep you posted. Also, it has been 70 years since D-day. Up next here, those who fought that day and survived to tell their stories. Stay with us.