California Chrome gallops ahead of turf debut

California Chrome was feeling so sharp Tuesday at Del Mar that instead of a scheduled jog, trainer Art Sherman had him gallop.

“He was getting up on his hind legs,” Sherman said. “I had to do something with him.”

California Chrome worked on turf Sunday and walked the shed row Monday, his normal day-after routine. He is scheduled to have an open gallop on turf early Thursday morning. The Hollywood Derby on Saturday will be California Chrome’s first race on grass.

Fun run on Turkey Day

Turf works usually take place Sundays and Thursdays during the meet here. Because of the early 11 a.m. Pacific post Thursday, and a family fun run over the main track at 8 a.m., the track will close early for training, and only horses participating in the Hollywood Derby or Sunday’s Matriarch Stakes – both Grade 1 races – will be allowed on the turf at the special time of 6:45 a.m.

The fun run is a one-mile run over the main Polytrack surface. The cost is $25 for adults and $10 for children ages 4 through 15, and it includes a T-shirt and racetrack admission for the Thanksgiving Day card.

In addition, 10 puppies from the nearby Helen Woodward Animal Center will race through the stretch at 8:45. Every one of the dogs will be eligible to be adopted.

◗ Del Mar will offer Turf Club patrons the choice of brunch or a full Thanksgiving turkey dinner in the Turf Club on Thursday. The price of $100 includes Turf Club admission, a reserved table, the meal, and bottomless mimosas or champagne. Reservations can be made online at www.delmarracing.com.