California Chrome takes edge off before trip to Dubai

CYPRESS, Calif. – California Chrome had his final day of exercise at Los Alamitos on Wednesday before being flown Thursday to the United Arab Emirates for a scheduled two-race campaign highlighted by a start in the $10 million Dubai World Cup on March 26.

Judging from California Chrome’s enthusiasm during a two-mile exercise Wednesday, the 5-year-old is leaving his home state in top form.

“He’s been a handful, bucking and playing,” trainer Art Sherman said. “He’s really been feeling good.”

The 2014 Horse of the Year, California Chrome was second in the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse last March and did not start again for the rest of 2015 because of minor ailments. In his lone start this year, California Chrome won the Grade 2 San Pasqual Stakes at Santa Anita on Jan. 9.

Sherman said on Wednesday that he is leaning toward giving California Chrome a prep race for the Dubai World Cup in Round 3 of the Maktoum Challenge, a $400,000 race at 1 1/4 miles at Meydan on March 5. The Dubai World Cup also is run at 1 1/4 miles.

California Chrome’s trip to Dubai will take 24 hours and includes a stopover in Copenhagen, Denmark. California-based veterinarian Chuck Jenkins is scheduled to accompany California Chrome on the journey. Alan Sherman, who is Art’s son and assistant trainer, exercise rider Dihigi Gladney, and groom Raul Rodriguez were scheduled to fly to Dubai on Wednesday.

Gladney exercised California Chrome in light rain before dawn Wednesday. On the second circuit around the one-mile track, Gladney had a firm hold of California Chrome, who galloped with his neck bowed.

“The farther he goes, the stronger he is,” Sherman said.

Owned by Perry Martin and Taylor Made Farm, California Chrome has won 10 won of 19 starts and earned $6,442,650.