Chrome Diaries: Pre-Race Routine Ahead of San Antonio

With my alarm clock set for 2 a.m. this morning, waking on my own was a pleasant surprise. I can only assume that my body knew how much I needed to get done in order to be on time to pick up trainer Art Sheman’s wife, Faye. Regardless of the early hour, I was so happy to have her pleasant company, and our rambling conversation made the hour and a half drive through patchy fog fly by.
We pulled into the driveway at the Sherman camp’s Los Alamitos headquarters just as assistant trainer Alan Sherman and exercise rider Willie Delgado were departing for Santa Anita Park, and after ensuring that Faye and their sweet pup, Maddie, were comfortably settled, I was on my way for the final leg of my trip, too.
The fog that had blanketed the backside and track two days ago was a memory as the team assembled and Alan led Willie and California Chrome out for their gallop. The training run was uneventful, except for the energetic colt refusing to pull up after a mile and a half as he had the previous two days. After standing up in his stirrups for half a mile, the exercise rider was able to get his mount to comply, and after backtracking along the rail, they were met near the winner’s circle by Alan.

The team walked swiftly back through the tunnel, and stepped into the morning sun as they made their way to the paddock and then the saddling area. Chrome stood calmly in place in the No. 8 position - where he will be saddled in advance of tomorrow’s race. I flashed back to the week of the Breeders’ Cup, when he had “felt his oats” and stood up and walked around on his rear legs. This morning there were no such acrobatics, and then we were on our way back to the barn.

Chrome’s stablemates worked early and were cooled down and back in their stalls, so the hot walkers in front of the wash station were empty, allowing me to stand right in front of him while groom Raul Rodriquez gave him his bath. While playful and obviously happy, Chrome was compliant, making easy work for his handlers.

While Raul and Chrome walked the lawn to cool down after bath time, I enjoyed watching the two interact and I chuckled as I heard the groom talking softly to Chrome in Spanish, and laughing to himself when Chrome gave me “the eye” with each turn around the yard.

As the morning work wrapped up, Willie and Alan played gently with the horse while Raul finished cleaning his feet before Chrome reluctantly entered his stall. Then he immediately turned around and nickered, anticipating the cookies that were on their way.

Training as usual. As expected. In Thoroughbred racing, uneventful is good. The San Antonio Stakes, set for 4 p.m. PT tomorrow, promises talented horses in fierce competition and is sure to reward the attention of those who watch on television and who show up at Santa Anita.