Let the debate begin: Shared Belief vs. California Chrome

The $5-million Breeders’ Cup Classic isn’t until Nov. 1 at Santa Anita, but the debate has already begun over who’s the better 3-year-old: California Chrome or Shared Belief.

If all goes as expected, the two thoroughbred stars will meet at the Arcadia track to decide Horse of the Year honors.

California Chrome, the winner of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, has been the leading candidate all season. But Shared Belief, who missed the Triple Crown races while recovering from foot problems, is closing fast, especially after a convincing win on Sunday in the $1-million Pacific Classic.

NBC horse racing analyst Randy Moss has moved Shared Belief, six for six in his racing career, to the No. 1 position in his latest “Randy’s Rankings” for the Breeders’ Cup contenders, ahead of California Chrome, who’s expected to return to racing on Sept. 20 in the Pennsylvania Derby.

Twitter: @LATSondheimer