California Chrome's workout postponed

California Chrome’s scheduled workout in Newmarket, England, on Saturday was postponed until Wednesday to accommodate jockey Frankie Dettori’s schedule, trainer Art Sherman said.

Dettori is scheduled to work California Chrome in preparation for the Group 1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.

Dettori, the former champion jockey in England, has not ridden California Chrome, the 2014 Horse of the Year, but could have the mount in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes. Sherman said this week that he was not sure whether regular rider Victor Espinoza would travel to England for the Prince of Wales’s Stakes and that a British-based rider could be used.

With the workout delayed, California Chrome continued exercising at Newmarket under the direction of trainer Rae Guest, Sherman said. Sherman had expressed concern in recent weeks about California Chrome’s recovery following a second-place finish in the $10 million Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse in the United Arab Emirates on March 28, but said he is more encouraged by recent developments.

“They sent me pictures of him galloping up the hill,” Sherman said. “He looks to be doing better.”

California Chrome was a candidate for the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes at a mile on turf at Newbury Racecourse on May 16 until a decision was reached that there was insufficient time to be ready. Sherman said at the time that he was concerned California Chrome had lost weight since the Dubai World Cup, but said pictures and videos sent by Guest indicate recent improvement.

For the $811,545 Prince of Wales’s Stakes at 1 1/4 miles on turf, California Chrome is 12-1 in the future book with British bookmakers. Free Eagle, third in the Champion Stakes at Ascot last October, is the current 4-1 favorite.

California Chrome races for breeders Steve Coburn and Perry Martin and has won 9 of 18 starts for $6,322,650.