California Chrome takes it easy in seven-furlong work

CYPRESS, Calif. – California Chrome, preparing for his first start since winning the Dubai World Cup three months ago, worked seven furlongs on Saturday at Los Alamitos in 1:26.40, after which trainer Art Sherman said he “wanted a little stronger work.”

Sherman said the track was a little slower than it had been in recent days, and head clocker Russ Hudak confirmed that, but Sherman still seemed as though he expected more from California Chrome, who, per usual, worked at 5:30 a.m. with exercise rider Dihigi Gladney aboard.

California Chrome began his drill six furlongs from the wire. Hudak had the opening quarter in a slow 26 seconds, the half in 49.40, five furlongs in 1:01.40, and six furlongs in 1:13.20 – meaning California Chrome traveled the quarter-mile to the finish line in less than 24 seconds. Gladney gave him an aggressive hand ride coming off the turn and through the lane.

California Chrome had not worn blinkers in prior works since returning from Dubai, but they were added for this work. He wears them in races, and the addition of blinkers led Sherman to think he would work faster on Saturday.

“I was hoping for a little better work,” Sherman said. “He was strong the last part of it.”

Gladney, who gets on California Chrome every day, said the work was “not bad” and that California Chrome seems more engaged when there is more activity around; he has had the track to himself when it first opens for these works.

“When he’s galloping in the morning, when he sees other horses loping along, he wants to chase them,” Gladney said.

California Chrome, 5, never has been a flashy work horse, even going back to his 3-year-old year, when he won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness and was named Horse of the Year. Horses often wise up as their careers progress, able to distinguish between morning drills and afternoon races.

“He’s always been a decent work horse, not a black-letter type of horse,” Sherman said.

Sherman seemed satisfied with the feedback he got from Gladney and looked forward to his next two works.

California Chrome is scheduled to race next in the San Diego Handicap at Del Mar on July 23. Sherman said he will work again at Los Alamitos on July 9, ship to Del Mar soon thereafter, and have his final work for the San Diego on July 16, the day after Del Mar’s opening day.

“I’m right on schedule,” Sherman said. “He’s getting pretty fit. He’ll have one more big, key work, then he’ll blow out at Del Mar, a sharp five-eighths, and he’ll be ready.”