Chrome Report: California Chrome jogs at Churchill
Four days after winning the 140th Kentucky Derby, California Chrome finally took a victory lap around Churchill Downs.
Marty McGeeMay 07, 2014
Four days after winning the 140th Kentucky Derby, California Chrome finally took a victory lap around Churchill Downs.
All horses running in the Preakness Stakes on May 17 will be required to be on the grounds of Pimlico Race Course by noon of the Thursday prior to the race and will be subjected to additional security protocols, the track announced Tuesday.
Hoppertunity, the winner of the Rebel Stakes and the runner-up behind California Chrome in the Santa Anita Derby, had surgery to remove a bone spur in his ankle this week. Hoppertunity will get 30 days off and then resume light training if all goes well, trainer Bob Baffert said Tuesday on “At the Races with Steve Byk.”
Northern California-based trainer Steve Sherman was at a nice little family get-together over the weekend – in the Churchill Downs winner’s circle after the Kentucky Derby.
There are significant races in the Mid-Atlantic in the spring, summer, and fall, races with great tradition and big purses. The Preakness at Pimlico, however, stands alone.
Kentucky Oaks winner Untapable’s connections have resolutely declined to try her against males in the Preakness Stakes, but it appears that the Preakness will have a feminine touch nonetheless. Ria Antonia, who finished sixth in the May 2 Kentucky Oaks, is being pointed to the Preakness on May 17 at Pimlico, owner Ron Paolucci said Tuesday.
Win or lose last Saturday, trainer Todd Pletcher had to leave Churchill Downs quickly after the Kentucky Derby to make it back home in time for a family function Sunday. His son Payton’s confirmation probably was a good diversion for Pletcher the day after what was a disappointing Derby Day for the six-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer.
A total of 21 horses were entered in the Kentucky Derby, 19 ran, and of the 18 who chased home California Chrome on Saturday at Churchill Downs, it appears only a few will try him again in the Preakness Stakes.
Derby winner California Chrome will be flown to Maryland next Monday, May 12, after trainer Art Sherman asked to send the colt on a flight from Louisville to Maryland earlier than the traditional Wednesday before the race.
For trainer Art Sherman, winning the Kentucky Derby Saturday with California Chrome still hadn’t sunk in yet Sunday morning.