California Chrome Drills for Del Mar Return
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Photo: Gary Tasich
California Chrome worked a half-mile in :49 4/5 on May 21.
California Chrome got an early wake-up call May 21 at Los Alamitos Race Course to record his second timed workout since returning to Southern California after his standout victory in the Dubai World Cup (UAE-I).
Out at 5:20 a.m. PT preparing for a run in the San Diego Handicap (gr. II) at Del Mar July 23, which will serve as a prep for the Aug. 20 Pacific Classic (gr. I), the 5-year-old son of Lucky Pulpit drilled a half-mile in :49 4/5 under regular exercise rider Dihigi Gladney. His first work back was three furlongs in :36 1/5 May 14.
"It was very nice. We didn't do very much," trainer Art Sherman said. "It was an easy half. He's right on schedule."
Sherman wouldn't tip his hand on plans beyond the Pacific Classic, but did express excitement about California Chrome, LLC's buy-in to the $12 million Pegasus World Cup in January, which means the 2014 Horse of the Year could end up racing as a 6-year-old.
"We'll just have to wait. It's so hard to think three, four races out," Sherman said. "But how about that Pegasus? That would be something."