California Chrome cranks it up a notch

CYPRESS, Calif. – California Chrome’s workouts are intensifying as he approaches his next start, which will come in the $10 million Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse in the United Arab Emirates on March 28.

On Friday at Los Alamitos, California Chrome, the 2014 Horse of the Year, worked six furlongs in 1:11 and galloped out seven furlongs in 1:24.60.

Exercise rider Anna Wells was aboard California Chrome, who worked alone. Alan Sherman, assistant trainer to his father, Art, timed California Chrome in 1:11.20, including a final furlong in 11.20 seconds.

California Chrome began slowly but quickened noticeably in early stretch, a change from his workouts earlier this year, when he was seldom urged by jockey Victor Espinoza. On Feb. 27, California Chrome worked five furlongs in 1:00 at Los Alamitos with Wells aboard.

Art Sherman said he has sought faster works from California Chrome since the 4-year-old colt finished second to Shared Belief in the Grade 2 San Antonio Stakes at Santa Anita on Feb. 7.

“He worked fast enough for me,” Sherman said. “I want those better, stronger works. He’ll be ready to go. I’m very happy right now.”

California Chrome is scheduled to depart March 17 for Dubai. He will have a final workout in California on March 13 and train for a few days before the trip abroad.

“I want to gallop him before he gets on the airplane to make sure everything is all right,” Sherman said.

California Chrome races for breeders Steve Coburn and Perry Martin. Coburn attended Friday’s workout.

California Chrome’s 2-year-old full sister, Hopes Love, was sent to trainer Steve Sherman’s stable in Northern California on Thursday to begin racetrack training, Coburn said. Coburn said it was unclear whether Hopes Love would remain with Steve Sherman or be sent south to Steve’s father, Art, later this year.

California Chrome also has a yearling full sister whom Coburn describes as “long and tall.” California Chrome’s dam, Love the Chase, is scheduled to deliver a full sibling in April. Coburn said that Love the Chase will not be bred this year.

American Pharoah ‘ready’

American Pharoah, the champion 2-year-old male of 2014, worked six furlongs in 1:10.40 at Santa Anita on Friday, preparing for the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park on March 14.

American Pharoah has not raced since winning the Grade 1 FrontRunner Stakes at Santa Anita last September.

“He’s ready now,” trainer Bob Baffert said after Friday’s workout.