Belmont workout report: Another good morning for California Chrome

ELMONT, N.Y. – The Belmont Stakes clocker report, like just about everything else around these parts the last couple of weeks, is first and foremost the California Chrome watch. All eyes have been on the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner since his arrival from Baltimore, his every move under close scrutiny, especially those he makes once he takes to the racetrack each morning between 6 and 6:30.

Wednesday morning was a good one for the Belmont favorite. For the second day in a row, California Chrome took his sweet time jogging back to the half-mile pole, as he does on a regular basis, and while working his way past the grandstand at an easy gallop the first time around.

By the time he got around the second time, however, California Chrome was moving extremely well, especially by his usual standards, while pulling exercise rider Willie Delgado through the stretch, his head cocked outward to prevent him from doing too much during the latter stages of a second straight stamina-enhancing 2 3/8-mile gallop.[bc_playlist_id:234438:]

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It was more of the same again Wednesday from the long-striding Tonalist, who continues to impress since he worked here last Saturday. Peter Pan Stakes winner Tonalist even tossed in a sub-15-second final eighth for good measure before pulling up at the end of another sharp-looking training session.

Ditto for Commanding Curve, who, like Tonalist, jogs a full mile before reversing direction and galloping 1 1/4 to 1 3/8 miles on a regular basis. Derby runner-up Commanding Curve continues to give the impression that he’s capable of repeating his big effort at Churchill Downs here Saturday.

Wicked Strong had a relatively easy day, schooling in the starting gate and just jogging over at the training track. According to colleague David Grening, Wicked Strong was relaxed and on his best behavior while standing in the gate.

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Ride On Curlin might be the one horse to keep an eye on over the next couple of mornings. Preakness runner-up Ride On Curlin was a handful to gallop on numerous occasions leading up to the Derby and perhaps even more so here last week but has not shown quite the same high energy level since returning to the track following his seven-furlong work Sunday.

He also has failed to switch back to his left lead once passing the finish line during the latter stages of each of his last two sessions, which might mean little but certainly is worth monitoring over the next couple of days.

I have not had a chance to check out the Todd Pletcher-trained duo of Matterhorn and Commissioner since they breezed in company Sunday, or Samraat, who continues to train at Aqueduct. Medal Count, who is reportedly training extremely well at Churchill Downs, and General a Rod were expected to arrive in town Thursday.