Chrome Diaries Holiday Edition: Raring to Go

Three weeks had passed since California Chrome’s triumphant Hollywood Derby and two weeks since I had seen my friends at Sherman Racing, so when the alarm went off at 3 a.m. Friday morning, I was happy to get rolling and head to Los Alamitos.
One thing that had transpired since my last post is that I got married last Saturday, and this morning my dear husband was happy to talk to me through the entire 90 minute drive from San Diego to the track.

I have to admit that it was rough getting up so early, after a couple of weeks of sleeping until 6 a.m., but reaching the track kitchen and being greeted by trainer Art Sherman was worth the effort. 
At his urging, I trudged over to the barn with what was left of our wedding cake (carrot cake, courtesy of Akins Deli in San Diego) and was warmed by the chorus of “good mornings” that met me as I crossed the threshold of the barn.
The day prior, Art had called to advise me that rain had closed the track for a few days earlier in the week, and it was expected that they would be galloping Chrome very early rather than taking him out for a registered workout later in the morning. 
Art was gauging the tempo of my day and trying to save me a trip, but I let him know that I required signatures on prints and calendars that customers had ordered in advance of Christmas, so I would be making the trip, regardless.
I arrived at the barn a little after 6 a.m. (due to an unforeseen issue with my kitchen sink that has yet to be addressed), and Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner California Chrome was tethered to the rear of his stall, waiting to be saddled.  
While I was not sure what the morning would hold, I happily went about my routine of saying "good morning" to the horses and soaking in the warmth of their muzzles and coats on this chilly day.
As horses started working, I walked back up to the track kitchen to get a good vantage point and report back to Art what the exercise riders were saying about their mounts. A little before the break, around 7:15 a.m., I waved to jockey Victor Espinoza as he walked up to the deck outside the track kitchen. It’s not common for Victor to just show up, especially at Los Al, so I guessed that the schedule for Chrome’s workout might have been adjusted.
After quickly catching up with my friend, I walked with him back to the barn where groom Raul Rodriguez had readied Chrome to hit the track. In a quick turn around that saw pony rider Danielle and her pony Marzipan doing a double take and saying “we’re generally waiting for YOU … ”, Victor and Chrome quickly marched out to the track and started their backtrack.

At this point, I assessed my favorite position on the rail, at the turn, and looked for my all-star barn kitty. While I don’t know his name, he’s an absolutely gorgeous boy who gallops up to whomever is willing and presents the most beautiful countenance. He will, most certainly, be included in my “barn cats” calendar … should I ever do one.

As I took up position on the rail, a gentleman approached me and asked if I was Kathleen, to which I replied, “yes.” I was honored to meet Mark Mulhall, an ardent Chrome fan and frequent purchaser of my work. Mark was present with his own camera this morning and, after a warm exchange, he sent me off to work while he captured, what I hope, were some lovely images.
As often as I see this star colt work, it’s always amazing to me when he departs from his escort pony, because it’s so elaborate. This morning, Chrome leapt from Marzipan and gained speed with seemingly little effort. As he came around the turn, where I was positioned, Victor had him well in hand, but it was clear that the colt was happy to be out and running.

When Victor and Chrome trotted back by me after working a half-mile in 49 seconds and then galloping out, I queried “he seemed ready to go?” Victor’s reply was an eyebrow-arched exclamation of “yeah!”

Back at the barn, the team got Chrome cooled down and cleaned up.

I photographed some of the multitude of holiday cards and letters that have been sent by fans and supporters, and took some shots of Art, his son, assistant trainer Alan Sherman, and their star, California Chrome.

Our friend Jay Hovdey and his camera crew from the Daily Racing Form sequestered Art in the office to capture some footage that should be aired in a few months, just prior to the 2015 Kentucky Derby. I got a few nice shots of Art, Alan and Chrome as the camera crew finished its assignment and then packed things up to head back to San Diego.

Next week, I will join my husband and our families back in our hometown to celebrate our first Christmas together. And shortly after that, he will get to bask in the glow of the Eclipse Awards, an event he is looking forward to. We don’t know what the evening of Jan. 17 holds for any of us, but I can guarantee that the Shermans, as well as co-owners Steve Coburn and Perry Martin, will be on hand to see how the voting goes for champion 3-year-old male and Horse of the Year.
We’ll let you know how things unfold, but in our hearts, the ballots have been cast.