Sherman: Espinoza still California Chrome's rider

While jockey Victor Espinoza has had his ride on California Chrome in the Breeders’ Cup Classic picked over since the race, Sherman said Espinoza has done so well on California Chrome over the years that they’ll be a team right through the $12 million Pegasus World Cup on Jan. 28 at Gulfstream Park.

“I’d never take him off for one race,” said Sherman, who admitted a number of jockey agents had phoned him inquiring if a spot on California Chrome might open.

“When you lose, you’re always looking to blame someone,” Sherman said. “He’s ridden so many good races on him.”

Sherman lauded Espinoza’s horsemanship in the Dubai World Cup.

“He rode a hell of a race that night when his saddle slipped,” Sherman said.

As for Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Arrogate, he has gone back to the track to train following the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Based at Santa Anita, he, too, is being pointed to the Pegasus.

Arrogate’s stature continues to grow, both literally and figuratively. Trainer Bob Baffert said Arrogate, 3, has grown an inch since the Del Mar summer meet ended, and now stands at 16-3 1/2 hands.