HOY California Chrome Drills at Los Alamitos
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Newly crowned Horse of the Year California Chrome drilled seven furlongs at Los Alamitos Race Course Jan. 19 as he continues preparations for his expected 2015 debut next month in the $500,000 San Antonio Stakes (gr. II).
Trainer Art Sherman's 4-year-old Lucky Pulpit colt was timed in a handy 1:27 2/5 under jockey Victor Espinoza for the lone move at the distance.
Perry Martin, co-owner/breeder of California Chrome along with Steve Coburn, said the colt appears poised for a top effort in the 1 1/8-mile San Antonio on the main track at Santa Anita Park Feb. 7.
"I just got off the phone with Art and asked him what they were feeding him," Martin said. "He said Victor's arms were sore trying to hold him back. He's ready to fire his best. We're looking forward to quite a show."
California Chrome, also named champion 3-year-old male during Eclipse Award ceremonies Jan. 17 at Gulfstream Park, is likely to meet Shared Belief, the 2013 champion 2-year-old male, and possibly Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) winner Bayern, who has been recovering an abscessed hind foot, in the San Antonio.
California Chrome won six of nine starts, including the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and Preakness Stakes (gr. I), and earned more than $4 million in 2014. He capped the season with a two-length victory on turf in the Hollywood Derby (gr. IT) Nov. 29 at Del Mar.