California Chrome Progressing Nicely Toward Return

California Chrome, above after winning the 2014 Preakness Stakes, is getting closer to a return to racing for trainer Art Sherman. (Photos by Eclipse Sportswire)
By Claire Novak, @BH_CNovak
Horse of the Year California Chrome is “preparing himself really well” for a comeback, according to trainer Art Sherman.
The 4-year-old Lucky Pulpit colt, who won the 2014 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands and took the Preakness Stakes to earn Horse of the Year honors, has not raced since finishing second in the Dubai World Cup in March.
On Saturday, he continued his preparations for the Grade 2 San Pasqual Stakes on Jan. 9 at Santa Anita Park with a solid breeze at Los Alamitos, his fifth workout there since returning to Sherman’s barn after a layup at Taylor Made Farm to recover from bone bruising.
Guided by regular rider Dihigi Gladney, the chestnut colt powered through quarter-mile splits of :25 and :47 4/5 before completing five furlongs in 1:01.
“Today was really great,” Sherman said. “He’s preparing himself really well and everything’s going smooth, I couldn’t be more happy with the workout."
California Chrome’s run in the 1 1/16-mile San Pasqual will be his first for a new partnership; Taylor Made bought out co-owner Steve Coburn’s share in July and the colt is now owned by the Kentucky-based operation and co-breeder Perry Martin.
Sherman also said jockey Victor Espinoza will be aboard for a workout or perhaps two closer to the race.
“We’ll start cranking down a little more on him. The times will be a little faster and [the distance] a little farther," Sherman said. “We’re hoping that with good weather and the way we’re going right now, it shouldn’t be a problem to have him ready for the San Pasqual if I don’t miss any time.”
California Chrome’s connections hope to send their talented runner back to Dubai in March for a second run at the World Cup, should his return to racing go as planned.
CALIFORNIA CHROME AT 2015 DUBAI WORLD CUP