California Chrome works strong five furlongs

The world’s richest active Thoroughbred posted another solid workout Saturday morning at Los Alamitos as he prepares for a July 23 comeback at Del Mar.

California Chrome, whose earnings soared past $12 million when he won the $10 million Dubai World Cup in his most recent start March 26, worked five furlongs Saturday under exercise rider Dihigi Gladney.

Trainer Art Sherman was happy after the 5:30 a.m. drill. “He had a perfect workout,” Sherman said. “He looked great, galloped out strong. He was really moving down the lane; he went the last three-eighths in 35 and change.”

According to Los Alamitos clocker Russ Hudak, California Chrome went off slowly in 25.80 seconds. He picked up the tempo the rest of the way. Hudak caught him in 37.60 for three furlongs, 49.40, and 1:01 for the five furlongs. He galloped out six furlongs in 1:14.40.

“He went off nice, and down the lane he was striding out,” Sherman said. “I got him in a minute and three-fifths.”

California Chrome, the 2014 Horse of the Year and a 12-time winner with $12,532,650 in earnings from 21 starts, is aiming for the San Diego Handicap on July 23 at Del Mar. The 1 1/16-mile race will be his first start since winning the Dubai World Cup.

Sherman has California Chrome on an every-Saturday workout pattern and said Gladney will continue to work the 5-year-old. “I’ll keep him on like I did in Dubai; he works him well all the time.”

Victor Espinoza is California Chrome’s regular jockey.

California Chrome is scheduled for five more workouts leading into the San Diego.

“That’s the race we’re pointing for; we’ll have some fun,” Sherman said.