California Chrome Training Like a ‘Beast’ for Comeback
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California Chrome, above, is progressing toward a return to racing for trainer Art Sherman. (All photos by Eclipse Sportswire)
By Claire Novak, @BH_CNovak
California Chrome’s steady improvement continued in his latest workout at Los Alamitos on Saturday, when he drilled five-eighths of a mile at the Southern California track and galloped out in the powerful manner than has become his signature style.
In prepping for a Jan. 9 comeback in the Grade 2 San Pasqual Stakes at Santa Anita Park, the Art Sherman trainee is laying the foundation for a hopeful return to the $10-million Dubai World Cup. He was second in that race this year but has not raced since then.
“He’s training great,” said assistant trainer Alan Sherman, Art Sherman’s son. “He worked perfect. He hasn’t missed a beat since he got back here.”
Under regular exercise rider Dihigi Gladney, Perry Martin’s and Taylor Made Farm’s chestnut colt was timed by Russ Hudak in quarter-mile splits of :25 1/5 and :48 4/5 with a final time of 1:00 3/5. He galloped out three-quarters of a mile in 1:14 2/5.
Rested at Taylor Made in Kentucky this summer to recover from bone bruising, the 4-year-old by Lucky Pulpit returned to the Sherman Racing barn at Los Alamitos in early October. California Chrome has put in five recorded workouts since rejoining the string.
“When he came in from Taylor Made, he looked so good,” Sherman said. “They did a really good job putting weight on him. He’s so much stronger than he was after his 3-year-old year. Missing most of his 4-year-old season could have been a blessing; the horse is so much bigger and stronger. I’m looking forward to getting him going.”
Jockey Victor Espinoza, who rode California Chrome to many victories, including the 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, will soon be reunited with his mount for a morning breeze.
“If he doesn’t work him the next time, he’ll work him the time after that,” said Sherman. “He’ll probably go five furlongs and gallop out or we might even go six with him.”
California Chrome is on a weekly Saturday workout schedule, and has not missed a breeze since his connections started his return to training.
“He gallops out so strong when he works. The horse is a beast,” Sherman said.
A CALIFORNIA CHROME-VICTOR ESPINOZA REUNION IS ON THE HORIZON