California Chrome eager in work

California Chrome is ready for more.

Trainer Art Sherman called the Kentucky Derby winner a “sharp horse” on Tuesday, a day after an energetic half-mile Monday work at Los Alamitos that keeps him on target for his first start on turf, which comes Nov. 29 in the Grade 1 Hollywood Derby at Del Mar.

Victor Espinoza was aboard California Chrome, whose time for the Monday workout was 47.80 seconds. It was his first recorded work since a close third-place finish Nov. 1 in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Espinoza had his hands full on Monday, according to Sherman.

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“Victor told me it was about as (good) as he’s ever worked,” Sherman said. “He said he had a helluva time holding him. He’s a sharp horse.”

California Chrome was making just his second after a summer layoff when he finished a neck behind Bayern and Toast of New York in the BC Classic. California Chrome went into the Breeders’ Cup with only one prep race after a 3 1/2-month layoff that followed his Triple Crown campaign, which included wins in the Derby and Preakness.

He would have benefitted from one more start prior to the Breeders’ Cup, Sherman said. “There’s no doubt in my mind if I had one more race in him, or even a week of training, I think he’d have been double-tough. I really do,” Sherman said.

California Chrome will ship to Del Mar on Nov. 22. Pending the first turf work of his career, California Chrome will enter the Hollywood Derby at 1 1/8 miles on turf.

The surface switch is one Sherman has long considered, and would open a host of options. “I’ve always wanted to try him (on turf) because of the way he moves,” Sherman said. “It gives me another dimension to look forward to as a 4-year-old."

California Chrome has won eight races and $4,4042,650 from 15 starts.