California Chrome set to return to work

CYPRESS, Calif. – California Chrome is scheduled to return to trainer Art Sherman’s stable next Thursday from a monthlong summer break, two weeks earlier than expected, and could make his comeback in a new race at Los Alamitos in September.

Sherman visited California Chrome at Harris Farms in Coalinga, Calif., on Wednesday and decided to move forward the colt’s return to training from Aug. 1 to mid-July.

On Thursday, Sherman mentioned the $200,000 Los Alamitos Mile against older horses Sept. 20 as a potential target.
Los Alamitos has not published the stakes schedule for its September meeting, dates previously held by the Los Angeles County Fair at Fairplex Park. Last month, the California Horse Racing Board approved a plan agreed to by officials of Los Alamitos and the county fair to move the racing dates. Los Alamitos will present final plans for the race meeting to the racing board July 18.

Sherman on Thursday said California Chrome is in good health.

“I kind of miss seeing him in his stall,” he said. “He’s put on a little weight. We’re anxious to see him on the track. He’s ready to come in.”

California Chrome’s autumn goal is the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita on Nov. 1. Aside from the Los Alamitos Mile, another potential race for him in September is the Grade 1 Awesome Again Stakes against older horses at Santa Anita, which is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 27.

California Chrome won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes in May but finished in a dead heat for fourth in the Belmont Stakes in an attempt to sweep the Triple Crown. California Chrome grabbed a quarter in the Belmont Stakes, a minor injury that Sherman said Thursday was no longer an issue.

Owned by Steve Coburn and Perry Martin, California Chrome has won 8 of 13 starts and earned $3,532,650.