Art Sherman has had his first glimpse of California Chrome in action in two weeks, and the trainer likes what he sees.

Sherman watched his Triple Crown contender gallop at Belmont Park on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST) for the first time since the colt won the Preakness.

"I thought he looked better now than he did after the Preakness," Sherman said.

"I couldn't believe how much weight he put on. Going on the Triple Crown trail, it's kind of rough. He's an amazing horse."

California Chrome will try for the first Triple Crown since Affirmed in 1978 on Saturday (Sunday AEST) in the $US1.5 million ($A1.62 million) Belmont Stakes.

The flashy chestnut with four white feet will be the heavy favourite in the 1-1/2 mile (2400m) Belmont, known as the "Test of the Champion" for its history of crushing Triple Crown dreams.

Only 11 horses have won the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont. There have been 11 try since Affirmed, the most recent being Big Brown in 2008. He won the first two legs but was eased down by jockey Kent Desormeaux in the Belmont.

After the Preakness, Sherman returned to his stable in Southern California. He sent California Chrome to New York in the care of Alan Sherman, his son and assistant trainer.

"He's doing outstanding," Alan Sherman said. "I couldn't ask for anything more right now. I'm just enjoying the ride he's put us on."

Perry Martin, co-owner and breeder of the colt with Steve Coburn, did not attend the Preakness because he was upset with the treatment he received by Churchill Downs at the Derby.

Martin is not going to miss this chance to be part of history.

"Perry and his wife will get here late Wednesday night," Coburn said.

"He'll probably lay real low until the day of the race. Him and his family are pretty reserved. That's why he gets out of town real quick so I can do all the talking."

The Belmont, the longest of the Triple Crown races, is contested over a track with wide sweeping turns. It gives jockeys plenty of time to sort out early positions.

The likely challengers for California Chrome include Commanding Curve, Commissioner, General a Rod, Matterhorn, Matuszak, Medal Count, Ride On Curlin, Samraat, Social Inclusion, Tonalist and Wicked Strong.