Chrome ‘Perfect’ in Final Tuneup for Belmont
Image:
Description:
California Chrome turned in a sparkling final workout on Saturday at Belmont Park in preparation for the Belmont Stakes on June 7. (Photos by Chelsea Durand/NYRA)
By Tom Pedulla, America’s Best Racing
ELMONT, N.Y. – When Alan Sherman called his father, Art, to report to him on California Chrome’s workout Saturday morning at Belmont Park, the word was all good.
The California-bred who has electrified the sports world showed he is as ready as he can be for his attempt on June 7 to become the 12th Triple Crown champion and the first since Affirmed in 1978 by blazing five furlongs in :59.93 on a fast track with regular rider Victor Espinoza aboard.
VIDEO OF CHROME'S WORKOUT
Courtesy of NYRA
“It was perfect. The horse worked great,” Alan Sherman said during a news conference. “I couldn’t ask for anything more.”
It was the only serious workout Chrome will be given before he attempts to end the longest drought in Triple Crown history next Saturday in the 1 ½-mile Belmont Stakes, which is known as the “Test of a Champion.” And it was a serious workout.
He blazed the opening four furlongs in :47.60. The final time for five furlongs was a crackling :59.93, and he galloped out six furlongs in 1:12.95. The way he went about it, he made it look easy.
HUGE CROWD IN ATTENDANCE FOR FINAL DRILL
Sherman said the colt could have worked faster if he had been equipped with blinkers, equipment he will wear when he strives to add his name to racing’s legends. For now, his handlers wanted to be sure to leave him with as much energy as possible for what they hope will be an historic run.
“I’m confident in this horse and always have been,” Sherman said. “We’ve still got to run the race.”
Plans call for Chrome to be given the day off Sunday. He is expected to gallop every morning of Belmont Stakes week for exercise rider Willie Delgado before going for a light jog the morning of the race.
California Chrome placed himself at the doorstep to racing immortality in taking the Kentucky Derby by 1 ¾ lengths against Commanding Curvee and winning the Preakness by 1 ½ lengths over Ride On Curlin. Both are back to challenge him again in a Belmont field still taking shape.
POTENTIAL BELMONT STARTERS
Horse
Owner
Trainer
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
Matterhorn
Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners
Todd Pletcher
Matuszak
C R K Stable
Bill Mott
Medal Count
Spendthrift Farm
Dale Romans
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
Twelve horses swept the first two legs without securing the Triple Crown since Affirmed outslugged archrival Alydar in three storied races 36 years ago. The last of those hopefuls, I’ll Have Another, did not make it to the Belmont starting gate. He had to be scratched on the eve of the race with a career-ending leg injury.
So far, Chrome suggests he is standing up to the three-races-in-five weeks challenge that comprises one of the greatest feats in all of sports.
“It’s up to the horse. I think the horse is good enough,” Sherman said. “We will find out Saturday.”
TRIPLE CROWN WINNERS
Year
Horse
Owner
Jockey
Trainer
1978
Affirmed
Harbor View Farm
Steve Cauthen
Laz Barrera
1977
Seattle Slew
Karen Taylor
Jean Cruguet
Billy Turner
1973
Secretariat
Meadow Stable
Ron Turcotte
Lucien Lauren
1948
Citation
Calumet Farm
Eddie Arcaro
Jimmy Jones
1946
Assault
King Ranch
Warren Meehrtens
Max Hirsch
1943
Count Fleet
Mrs. John D. Hertz
John Longden
Don Cameron
1941
Whirlaway
Calumet Farm
Eddie Arcaro
Ben Jones
1937
War Admiral
Samuel Riddle
Charlie Kurtsinger
George Conway
1935
Omaha
Belair Stud
William Saunders
James Fitzsimmons
1930
Gallant Fox
Belair Stud
Earle Sands
James Fitzsimmons
1919
Sir Barton
J.K.L. Ross
John Loftus
H. Guy Bedwell
Promising Signs
California Chrome is showing every sign he can succeed where others failed. He appeared to relish the crisp, clear morning as he covered the ground easily for Espinoza. The chestnut colt made his usual striking appearance with the four white socks on his feet and the white blaze on his face, markings known as “chrome.” He boasts a six-race winning streak – all in stakes races – since Espinoza became his regular rider.
Chrome did not appear to be breathing heavily when his last major workout for the Belmont was over.
Rain - I Don’t Mind
Sherman did not appear concerned that the long-term forecast calls for rain.
“They all have to run on the same track,” he said. “If it rains, it rains.”
Chrome already has taken his connections farther than they ever could have imagined. Owners Perry Martin and Steve Coburn purchased his dam, Love the Chase, for $8,000. She was bred to Lucky Pulpit for a $2,000 fee.
“We’re just enjoying the ride,” Sherman said.
TRIPLE CROWN BIDS ENDED IN BELMONT
Year
Triple Crown hopeful
Belmont finish
Winner
2008
Big Brown
DNF
Da’ Tara
2004
Smarty Jones
2nd
Birdstone
2003
Funny Cide
3rd
Empire Maker
2002
War Emblem
8th
Sarava
1999
Charismatic
3rd
Lemon Drop Kid
1998
Real Quiet
2nd
Victory Gallop
1997
Silver Charm
2nd
Touch Gold
1989
Sunday Silence
2nd
Easy Goer
1987
Alysheba
4th
Bet Twice
1981
Pleasant Colony
3rd
Summing
1979
Spectacular Bid
3rd
Coastal
1971
Canonero II
4th
Pass Catcher
1969
Majestic Prince
2nd
Arts and Letters
1968
#Forward Pass
2nd
Stage Door Johnny
1966
Kauai King
4th
Amberoid
1964
Northern Dancer
3rd
Quadrangle
1961
Carry Back
7th
Sherluck
1958
Tim Tam
2nd
Cavan
1944
Pensive
2nd
Bounding Home
1936
Bold Venture
did not start
Granville
1932
Burgoo King
did not start
Faireno
#Won Kentucky Derby via disqualification
Note: I'll Have Another was not included because he was retired before the Belmont Stakes.