California Chrome goes six furlongs in final work before return

CYPRESS, Calif. – Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome posted the final work of his comeback preparation Saturday morning at Los Alamitos – six furlongs in 1:13.80 as he readies for his return next Saturday in the Grade 2 Pennsylvania Derby at Parx.

Victor Espinoza was aboard California Chrome for the 8:15 a.m. work over a track closed to all other horses. According to track clocker Russ Hudak, California Chrome went the opening quarter-mile in 25.40 seconds, a half-mile in 49.60, and five furlongs in 1:01.80.

Trainer Art Sherman was happy with the work.

“He was very manageable. He did just what Victor wanted,” Sherman said. “He went the final eighth in 12 seconds and cooled out fine. We went over everything, and everything looks good.”

California Chrome galloped out seven furlongs in 1:27.80 and a mile in 1:43. California Chrome will ship Tuesday to Parx along with Candy Boy, who is scheduled to work Sunday at Santa Anita.

California Chrome will be racing for the first time since a fourth-place finish June 7 in the Belmont Stakes. Is he ready to fire first start back?

“This type of horse, you don’t really know until you run him,” Sherman said. “In the afternoon, he puts his game face on. He’s a different horse in the afternoon.”

The Saturday workout was easier than his between-race workout one week ago in 1:10.20.