More Mature California Chrome ‘Getting Closer’ to Return
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California Chrome, above in Dubai in March 2015, is making progress toward a return to racing for trainer Art Sherman and possibly a return trip to Dubai. (Photo by Eclipse Sportswire)
By Claire Novak, @BH_CNovak
Stretching out to three-quarters of a mile for the first time since returning to trainer Art Sherman’s barn in October, California Chrome breezed on Saturday at Los Alamitos in preparation for a planned return to the races in January.
Racetrack clocker Russ Hudak caught the 2014 Horse of the Year in quarter-mile splits of :25 4/5 and :49 4/5, timing him 1:13 4/5 for the three-quarter-mile workout under regular exercise rider Dihigi Gladney.
RACING TERMINOLOGY: CLOCKER
“I thought [he went] very well,” Sherman said. “He’s getting closer. The gallop out was real strong and the last eighth of a mile I got him in :11 flat. That is moving. I’m very well-pleased with the way he’s going right now.”
The 4-year-old Lucky Pulpit colt is preparing for his first race since finishing second in the Dubai World Cup in March. California Chrome subsequently spent time recovering from bone bruising at Taylor Made Farm.
His connections hope a race in the San Pasqual Stakes on Jan. 9 at Santa Anita Park will lay the foundation for the 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner to make a return trip to Dubai for this year’s $10 million World Cup.
The San Pasqual will be California Chrome’s first start for new co-owner Taylor Made in partnership with co-breeder Perry Martin. The Nicholasville, Ky.-based operation bought out co-breeder Steve Coburn’s share earlier this year.
“He looks great,” Sherman said. “He’s matured. He’s a good-looking horse. I’m privileged to have a horse like him. We’ve got a couple of key works left and we’ll be ready for Jan. 9, I’m hoping."
California Chrome is scheduled to breeze on Dec. 26 at Los Alamitos, and according to Sherman there is a possibility the chestnut colt could work between races at Santa Anita in his final prerace workout.
“They’ve been wanting to have him over there for the public and it would probably be beneficial for me; we’d just leave him over there and run on Jan. 9,” the trainer said.