It has been 36 years since the last time that a horse won the Triple Crown, with the last horse to do so being Affirmed back in 1978. Many horse racing bettors and fans believe that this could finally be the year that the streak is snapped with California Chrome looking to take down horse racing's most coveted prize. California Chrome is going off at +105 to win the Belmont at 5Dimes, with the field paying -135 on that bet.

History is working against California Chrome. While he is undoubtedly the best horse in the field, there are a number of factors that could lead to another horse winning the race, which is the reason why the field is the betting favorite.

Fatigue is the most daunting issue. The Belmont is the longest of the Triple Crown races and the most physically demanding as well. Three races in five weeks is a brutal test, and one that California Chrome hasn't faced in his racing career to this point. But if warm-ups are any indication, the horse is still fresh, putting up excellent numbers in its most recent training session.

Random chance could also factor in to the equation, and often does in a long race like this. Jockey Victor Espinoza has done a great job of keeping California Chrome out of trouble in wins in the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness. But he'll need his cleanest run yet to complete the Triple Crown; any wasted energy on the trip could be the difference between winning and losing.

Ride on Curlin wasn't far behind California Chrome in a runner-up finish in the Preakness, and is going off at +550 at 5Dimes to win the Belmont. If California Chrome slips up, Ride on Curlin could be the one to come out on top this time around.

A couple of contenders from the Kentucky Derby also return to action with fresh legs after skipping the Preakness in Commanding Curve (+700) and Wicked Strong (+700). Commanding Curve finished runner-up in the Derby. Wicked Strong didn't have a great run in part due to a bad post position, which won't be an issue in this weekend's smaller field. Newcomer Tonalist (+700) comes in off of a Grade II Stakes win and could be a contender as well.

California Chrome has the talent and the jockey to make history in the Belmont. Time will tell if they can get the job done.