As we approach the 146th Belmont Stakes, all eyes will be on Triple Crown hopeful ‘California Chrome’ as he attempts to secure his place in history. If successful, Chrome will be first horse in over 30 years to win the coveted title.

Despite never winning the Triple Crown title himself, legendary thoroughbred ‘Man o’ War’ is famous for defeating the world’s first Triple Crown winner, ‘Sir Barton,’ just one year after his 1919 victory. This earned Man o’ War, nicknamed ‘Big Red,’ a spot in Coca-Cola’s 1947 “All Time Sports Favorites” poster series, below.

‘Big Red’ won 20 of 21 starts in his two racing years. He set five American track records and his 2:14-1/5 and 1-3/8 miles made in 1920 still stands as a world record. As evidence of his everlasting popularity, 50,000 people visit him annually.

FUN FACT #1: While interest in horse racing has been on a steady decline for decades, a few stories have still managed to captivate our attention. The 2003 underdog sports drama Seabiscuit earned 7 nominations for the 2004 Academy Awards and nearly $150 million in the box office worldwide. Will California Chrome ever make it onto the silver screen? That has yet to be seen, however betting experts seem hopeful for his victory this Saturday. Will you be tuning in?

FUN FACT #2: This Saturday, nonprofit company Common Ground Alliance will dominate one of the race’s most coveted ad slots: the pant leg of California Chrome’s jockey, Victor Espinoza. Second in line for the spot? Maserati. Guess slow and steady doesn’t always win the race. (Source: Adweek)