Sherman Considering No Lasix for 'Chrome'

Although Art Sherman was considering running California Chrome   in the San Diego Handicap (gr. II) and Pacific Classic (gr. I) at Del Mar this summer without Lasix, following two standout runs in Dubai without the anti-bleeding medication, the trainer said July 17 he'll likely use it as a precaution.

"I'm not 100% sure yet, but I'm leaning toward giving him 5 cc, which is about as small amout as you can give," Sherman said a day after the 2014 Horse of the Year wowed in his final breeze for the July 23 San Diego. "It's kinda a precautionary thing. Down here, with the air so heavy—we haven't made up our minds completely, but I'm leaning that way."

BALAN: California Chrome Brilliant in Del Mar Breeze

Sherman said he was considering passing on the race-day Lasix shot simply because the son of Lucky Pulpit   ran so well without it in his two Dubai starts this year, capped by a sparkling victory in the Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline (UAE-I) March 26 in his most recent start. Sherman also said he would consider running without the medication in the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) Nov. 5 at Santa Anita Park.

As for California Chrome's condition, Sherman said his star pupil came out of his July 16 breeze well and will spend most of his week leading up to the San Diego schooling to get familiar with his new Del Mar surroundings.

"He's doing very good," Sherman said. "He looked really good this morning. He'll get lots of schooling this week."