California Chrome Introduced to Turf Racing

A crowd of 500 looked on Sunday as California Chrome did his first ever work on a turf racing surface. The Kentucky Derby winning colt got the chance to try out the grass at Del Mar in a solo run with rider Victor Espinoza. After appearing tentative at first, California Chrome settled in and was moving comfortably. He went four furlongs in 52 seconds.

“I was satisfied with the work,” said trainer Art Sherman. “Of course, he was pricking his ears out there. Victor said he didn’t know if (California Chrome) was going to work or gallop. He felt smooth underneath him. That was my main concern.”

California Chrome is being introduced to turf in a move to prepare him to possibly race in the Hollywood Derby at Del Mar this Saturday, November 29. When asked directly about putting California Chrome in the upcoming race, Sherman stated “I’m looking forward to that race right now.” If he indeed races on Saturday, California Chrome will become only the seventh horse in Del Mar’s 75 year history to win the Kentucky Derby and then go on to race at Del Mar.

Sherman said he plans to let the decorated colt have “an open gallop down the lane Thursday just to be sure he likes the grass, which I think he will. That will be his second time on the course and that will make a big difference.”

When asked about any lingering concerns over California Chrome’s physical fitness following a third place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Classic earlier this month, Sherman stated his confidence in his colt’s conditioning. “My main concern is just his stride on the grass. Cutting back from a mile and a quarter, if he’s not fit now, he’ll never be.”

If California Chrome does well on the grass in a real race this Sunday, it would give him access to new opportunities to race, in the United States and also in England. “It would be fun to meet the queen,” Sherman said. “My jockey is already good friends with her.”

Sports Interaction has racing news and full bet cards in the racebook.