California Chrome energetic in workout

CYPRESS, Calif. – An eager California Chrome worked a half-mile in 48.20 seconds at Los Alamitos on Thursday, an exercise that trainer Art Sherman pushed forward to avoid an expected weekend rainstorm.

The workout was the second-to-last for California Chrome at Los Alamitos before departing for Florida on Jan. 6 for the $12 million Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park. California Chrome will be retired to stud in Kentucky after the Pegasus on Jan. 28.

California Chrome worked alone Thursday and was enthusiastic while galloping under exercise rider Dihigi Gladney before the workout. California Chrome was at full speed a few strides before starting the workout.

California Chrome worked steadily under Gladney, staying near the rail throughout.

“He was full of himself,” Sherman said. “He was just breezing through there.”

California Chrome had his final start in California in the $180,000 Los Alamitos Winter Challenge on Dec. 17, winning the race at 1 1/16 miles by 12 lengths.

“I think that race will set him up,” Sherman said.

Last weekend, California Chrome missed a few days of training because of wet weather that led to the closure of Los Alamitos for morning training. Since then, Sherman has noted that California Chrome has been aggressive in training.

“I’ve never seen him train like he has,” Sherman said. “We missed a couple of days because of rain, and he was fresh. He’s been wanting to run off every day.”

The Pegasus World Cup will be run at 1 1/8 miles and is expected to include Arrogate, who beat California Chrome by a half-length in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita on Nov. 5. Arrogate is scheduled to start in the $200,000 San Pasqual Stakes at Santa Anita on Sunday.

The BC Classic at 1 1/4 miles is California Chrome’s only loss in seven starts this year.

Owned by Perry Martin and Taylor Made Farm, California Chrome, 5, has won 16 of 26 starts and has earned $14,502,650. He is the richest North American-based Thoroughbred in history.