'Chrome' Entered in World Cup Prep

California Chrome  , the U.S. Horse of the Year of 2014, as expected was entered for a 1 1/4-mile handicap at Meydan Racecourse Feb. 25 that will be his first start in Dubai this year and serve as his prep for the $10 million Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) March 26.

The 5-year-old Lucky Pulpit   horse, who finished second to Prince Bishop in last year's World Cup, has an official rating of 121, which makes him the highest-rated horse in the field of eight for the $150,000 race, carded as the sixth on a seven-race card. California Chrome will be ridden from post 1 by regular rider Victor Espinoza. Post time is 12:55 p.m. EST.

It's the same race Curlin   used to prepare for his 2008 World Cup win.

Winner of the San Pasqual Stakes (gr. II) Jan. 9 at Santa Anita Park in his last start, California Chrome, trained by Art Sherman for owners Perry Martin and Taylor Made, is the 132-pound highweight in the handicap and will be giving from 15 to 27 pounds to rivals. The second-highest race horse in the field at 105 is Sheikh Hamdan's Storm Belt, who will carry 115 pounds.

"He's never carried so much in a race before but with (exercise rider) Dihigi (Gladney) on board he has 150 pounds on his back every day anyway," trainer Art Sherman told The National about California Chrome. "He's been training great, has been forward in his training, and is right on schedule. I know weight is a denominator and it kills horses at some point, but I think you're going to see a champion run from him this Thursday."

Storm Belt, who will try to halt a seven-race winless stretch, was fourth Jan. 21 at Meydan, also at the distance. Trained by Doug Watson, he will leave from post seven with Sam Hitchcott.