Chrome Shines During Gallop on Sunday

California Chrome gallops at Belmont Park on May 23 (Photo by NYRA/Susie Raisher)
For the first time since arriving in New York last Tuesday, California Chrome was able to enjoy training under clear blue skies on Sunday.
The sunny morning showcased just how good the colt looks going into the third leg of the Triple Crown as he galloped two mile around the track. The colt, who has gained weight since winning the Preakness Stakes last weekend, seems to like the Belmont oval and has settled into his new home. It is the third track he’s been stabled at since arriving at Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby in late April.
"This morning, with the way the sun was hitting him, he was shining like a new penny," said assistant trainer Alan Sherman. "He looks so good right now. He's nickering when we get to the barn in the morning. He doesn't like to stand around."
The colt is scheduled to work on Saturday, May 31 with trainer Art Sherman arriving in New York for the Belmont Stakes early next week. Sherman returned to his California base a few days after the Preakness Stakes.
"He's probably missing the horse, but I'm sure he's enjoying the peace and quiet," said Alan Sherman. "He's holding up well. He was getting a little tired, which is probably why he's staying at home a little longer."
BELMONT STAKES POSSIBLES

Horse

Owner

Trainer

Candy Boy

C R K Stable

John Sadler

California Chrome

Steven Coburn & Perry Martin

Art Sherman

Commanding Curve

West Point Thoroughbreds

Dallas Stewart

Commissioner

WinStar Farm

Todd Pletcher

Kid Cruz

Vina Del Mar TBs & Black Swan Stb.

Linda Rice

Matuszak

George Prussin
Bill Mott

Ride On Curlin

Daniel J. Dougherty

Billy Gowan

Samraat

My Meadowview Farm

Richard Violette Jr.

Social Inclusion

Rontos Racing Stable

Manny Azpurua

Tonalist

Robert S. Evans

Christophe Clement

Wicked Strong

Centennial Farm

Jimmy Jerkens

It was a busy day at the track for Belmont Stakes hopefuls this weekend with multiple entrants working on both the main and training track. Commissioner worked in company with Intense Holiday, breezing five furlongs on the main track in a time of 1:00.60 for the co-eighth fastest time for the distance. Unfortunately, later that morning, Intense Holiday was withdrawn from the race after suffering an injury during his workout this morning.
"I thought Commissioner breezed very well," said trainer Todd Pletcher. "He was traveling well throughout and was willing; he seemed to be getting over the surface well and wrapped up good. He did everything you hoped he would do."
Both Samraat and Wicked Strong put in one-mile workouts this morning. Samraat covered the eight furlongs in a time of 1:41.28 over the main track. The colt, who finished fifth in the Kentucky Derby, shipped over from Aqueduct for the work. Wicked Strong worked 1:39.59 on Belmont's training track. Both were the only ones to work the distance on their respective tracks.
Tonalist, who won the Peter Pan at Belmont on May 10, worked 1:01.66 on Sunday. The colt is training in bar shoes and breezed in them today but will be running in normal shoes in the Belmont. He will breeze in company next weekend.
"Nice work," said Tonalist's trainer Christophe Clement. "He looked good, was willing, and came back in good order. It was not the most aggressive work, but it was what we wanted. He galloped out in :13 and 3/5 this morning, so it was a strong gallop out."
Social Inclusion, third in the Preakness Stakes is scheduled to arrive at Belmont Park from Pimlico later today. A decision has not been made on if the colt will go to the Belmont or the Woody Stephens, both on June 7. He will most likely breeze next Saturday.
SUNDAY WORKS SLIDESHOW