Chrome Report: Derby winner gallops 1 1/2 miles

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – In his second day back training after winning the 140th Kentucky Derby last Saturday, California Chrome galloped 1 1/2 miles at Churchill Downs on Thursday as he prepares for the May 17 Preakness at Pimlico.

His gallop under regular exercise rider Willie Delgado was routine and much like those he turned in before the Kentucky Derby. Settled for the first mile or so, he picked up his pace over the final half-mile.

With Alan Sherman, assistant trainer to his father, Art Sherman, watching closely from the backstretch, Delgado said he didn’t even need words to describe how California Chrome felt beneath him. He just smiled at him, conveying all that needed to be communicated.

“He came out of the race really good, a lot stronger than usual,” Delgado told reporters later. “It gives me chills thinking about it, if he keeps coming out of races like that.”

Alan Sherman said his father, who is back in California tending to his stable at Los Alamitos, called in the morning and was told all was well.

Shipping plans for California Chrome remained undecided Thursday morning. His connections would like to have California Chrome travel Monday to Baltimore – where Pimlico is located – if the Tex Sutton plane on which he is booked is ready after it undergoes regularly scheduled maintenance.

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“We’re optimistic for Monday; if not, probably Tuesday,” said Buddy Fife, the local booking agent for Tex Sutton.

Alan Sherman said his father likely would fly to Baltimore on Tuesday.

Routine gallops are the planned training regimen for California Chrome with the short two-week turnaround between the Derby and the Preakness.