California Chrome Drills at Los Alamitos

California Chrome   took his weekly step toward his next start in the San Diego Handicap (gr. II) with a five-furlong workout in 1:01 flat June 11 at Los Alamitos Race Course.

According to Los Al clocker Russ Hudak, the 2014 Horse of the Year, under a hold by exercise rider Dihigi Gladney, clicked off fractions of :25 4/5, :37 3/5, and :49 2/5, and accelerated in the stretch.

"For him, it was pretty slow early—then boom, he exploded down the lane," trainer Art Sherman said. "He's doing everything right. We're on a good pattern. It was exactly what I want."

California Chrome galloped out to six furlongs in 1:14 2/5, a key to what Sherman looks for in a training session.

"The gallop out is very important," Sherman said. "When he gallops out, even to seven-eighths, he gallops out so fast. If you timed him at every pole, you can really see how well he's finishing. And when he comes back, he's not blowing at all, so that tells you how fit he is."

The trainer said the 5-year-old son of Lucky Pulpit   will likely work another five furlongs June 18, in advance of the July 23 San Diego. Sherman also said he could add blinkers in two weeks to focus California Chrome during his training. He's worked without blinkers since his return from a break at Taylor Made Farm in early May.