California Chrome works toward return
DEL MAR, Calif. – Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner California Chrome had the first workout of his comeback at Los Alamitos on Friday, a quarter-mile breeze through the stretch.
Unraced since finishing in a dead heat for fourth in the Belmont Stakes on June 7, California Chrome was timed in 25 seconds, according to trainer Art Sherman, who caught the colt galloping out three furlongs in 37 and change.
California Chrome showed the most interest at the end of the workout, Sherman said.
“He went the last furlong in 12 [seconds] and change,” Sherman said. “It was pretty cool. He looked good.”
California Chrome was not given an official time for the workout.
California Chrome returned to Sherman’s stable July 17 after a six-week rest following the Belmont Stakes. Owned by Steve Coburn and Perry Martin, California Chrome is expected to return to racing in late September, with options that include the $200,000 Los Alamitos Mile on Sept. 20 or the $300,000 Awesome Again Stakes at Santa Anita on Sept. 27.
California Chrome won the California Cup Derby, San Felipe Stakes, and Santa Anita Derby at Santa Anita this year.