California Chrome picks up steam in final three furlongs of five-furlong breeze

CYPRESS, Calif. – California Chrome is being sent to Florida on Friday in a condition that has delighted trainer Art Sherman.

Sherman has had California Chrome in his Southern California stable for most of the last four years and said the 6-year-old is training better now than in recent seasons. California Chrome is scheduled to have his final start in the $12 million Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 28 before going to stud in Kentucky in February.

On Wednesday, California Chrome worked five furlongs in 1:00.20 at Los Alamitos, getting his final three furlongs in 35.20 seconds.

“What gets me is he gets strong as he gets going,” Sherman said after the workout. “It’s spooky. I can’t believe his demeanor. He’s so much stronger now.

“He’s a 6-year-old. Could this be his best? I don’t know.”

Dihigi Gladney, California Chrome’s exercise rider, was aboard for Wednesday’s workout. California Chrome was aggressive when he reached the backstretch and approached the start of the workout at the five-furlong pole. California Chrome worked the first quarter-mile in 25 seconds and accelerated noticeably in early stretch.

“He looks like he’s going so easy,” Sherman said during the workout.

The exercise was moved forward a day because of expected wet weather. California Chrome is scheduled to be flown to Gulfstream Park early Friday, allowing three weeks of training before the Pegasus World Cup.

“It’s perfect timing,” Sherman said of Wednesday’s workout and the travel schedule.

California Chrome races for Perry Martin and Taylor Made Farm, which will stand him at stud. California Chrome won his last start, the $180,000 Los Alamitos Winter Challenge on Dec. 17, and was second to Arrogate in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita on Nov. 5.

The 2014 Horse of the Year, California Chrome has won 16 of 26 starts and earned $14,502,650, record earnings for a North America-based Thoroughbred. He could add substantially to that figure in the Pegasus World Cup.

In the final weeks of California Chrome’s career, even small things such as his final workout in Southern California on Wednesday, have not escaped Sherman.

“It’s kind of nostalgic,” Sherman said. “It’s been a remarkable run.”