About six hours after he left Taylor Made Farm in Nicholasville, Ky., May 1, California Chrome was back at Los Alamitos Race Course.
The 2014 Horse of the Year—and North America's richest Thoroughbred after his March 26 victory in the $10 million Dubai World Cup (UAE-I)—arrived around 4 p.m. local time Sunday at the stable of trainer Art Sherman after a van ride from LA/Ontario International Airport.
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"He looks great,'' said Sherman as the 5-year-old son of Lucky Pulpit was being walked near the barn by his son and assistant trainer Alan. "It feels so good to have him back.''
Sherman said California Chrome, whose résumé includes 12 victories—among them the 2014 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and Preakness Stakes (gr. I)—in 21 starts for $12,532,650 in earnings, would tack walk May 2 and probably return to the track May 3.
The target for California Chrome's next start is the $200,000 San Diego Handicap (gr. II) July 23 at Del Mar. The race is run at 1 1/16 miles and serves as a prep for the $1 million TVG Pacific Classic (gr. I) Aug. 20 at the seaside oval.
California Chrome is targeting a season-end goal of the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) at Santa Anita Park.