California Chrome gets serious in work

CYPRESS, Calif. – Things are getting serious surrounding California Chrome’s comeback.

On Saturday morning at Los Alamitos, California Chrome, the 2014 Horse of the Year, worked six furlongs in 1:13.80, his longest workout since a return to training in mid-October. He is three weeks away from a scheduled start in the $200,000 San Pasqual Stakes at 1 1/16 miles at Santa Anita on Jan. 9.

One of those final workouts might be at Santa Anita between races. Trainer Art Sherman has been discussing the possibility of showcasing California Chrome in an afternoon workout in early January, although nothing has been finalized.

In Saturday’s workout, California Chrome quickened with each quarter-mile. He went the opening quarter-mile in 25.40 seconds, the next two furlongs in 24.40, and the final quarter in 24.

Sherman timed California Chrome in 1:14, with a final furlong in 10.80 seconds.

“The last eighth of a mile is mind-boggling to me,” Sherman said.

California Chrome has worked each Saturday since mid-November and has been more active between workouts, Sherman said. California Chrome is scheduled to work at Los Alamitos next Saturday or Sunday, depending on the weather. There is a possibility of rain on those days.

“I’m galloping him two miles a day,” Sherman said. “He’s been doing great. He’s got more muscle tone.”

Exercise rider Dihigi Gladney worked California Chrome and is aboard the 4-year-old on a daily basis.

The Grade 2 San Pasqual Stakes will be a prep for a scheduled two-race campaign in Dubai. California Chrome is scheduled to fly to Dubai in late January and start there in late February or early March before the $10 million Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse on March 26.

Last March, California Chrome was second in the Dubai World Cup, his most recent start. Races at Royal Ascot in June and the Arlington Million in August were abandoned because of minor injuries.

California Chrome was bred by Perry Martin and Steve Coburn and is owned by Martin and Taylor Made Farm.

A California-bred by Lucky Pulpit, California Chrome has won 9 of 18 starts and earned $6,322,650. In addition to his title as 2014 Horse of the Year, California Chrome was the champion 3-year-old male of 2014. During that season, his major wins were the Santa Anita Derby, Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Hollywood Derby.