California Chrome’s little sister runs fifth

California Chrome, the 2014 Kentucky Derby winner and Horse of the Year, ran for the first time in 10 months on Saturday, winning the Grade 2 San Pasqual at Santa Anita. Ten minutes later, his 3-year-old full sister, Hope’s Love, ran fifth at Golden Gate Fields in her second start. By Lucky Pulpit and out of Love the Chase, Hope’s Love improved her Beyer from a 39 in her debut to a 44 in Saturday’s six-furlong maiden special weight race.

“We weren’t too disappointed,” said trainer Steve Sherman. “We know she wants to go long.”

Owned and bred by Steve Coburn, Hope’s Love went to the sidelines with a hairline shoulder fracture after running second in her debut June 13. Hope’s Love was not turned out after her injury. Following the advice of veterinarians at the University of California-Davis, Sherman kept her at the barn and jogged her regularly – similar to a rehab program for human athletes.

Coburn, who sold his share in California Chrome last summer, was at Golden Gate Fields for the filly’s comeback and told track publicity that he “liked her performance.”

Also at Golden Gate to see the race was 16-year-old Hope Hudson, whom the filly was named after. Coburn flew Hope, her parents, and sister Elaina from Missouri to San Francisco to see the race. Hope suffers from a rare skeletal disorder called Hajdu-Cheney syndrome. Coburn met her and her family before California Chrome’s Preakness victory.

Hope’s Love, like her big brother, is on the “ornery” side, said Sherman, adding that the filly bonded with Hope Hudson.

“She’s a very nice girl,” said Sherman. “She was at the barn Sunday feeding her carrots. I think this was a really good deal for her. Horses can do that for people.”

Sherman said the next start for Hope’s Love will come in a route.