California Chrome works today and then Sept 6 Los Alamitos appearance

CC at Los Ala w Victor smallNot often does one see an announcement of a morning workout, but a Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner causes quite a buzz. With that buzz flying around on social media by twitter and Facebook, it even filtered down to news print where we read about it in the Orange County newspapers. It was worth all the hoopla – California Chrome with jockey Victor Espinoza worked this morning workout at Los Alamitos Race Course.

Trainer Art Sherman sent out his 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner California Chrome with quite a few fans watching. Jockey Victor Espinoza was aboard California Chrome for the workout, the first time the rider has been aboard California Chrome since the Belmont Stakes. California Chrome worked the four furlongs handily in :47.40.

California Chrome will also make a training appearance at his home track of Los Alamitos Race Course during the track’s upcoming daytime Thoroughbred Fall Meeting on Saturday, September 6. California Chrome is scheduled to be on the track between the 3rd and 4th race with first post that day scheduled to be 2 PM.

The son of Lucky Pulpit is preparing for a return to the racing in late September. Word through the ‘Daily Racing Form’ is that California Chrome is targeting the Pennsylvania Derby on September 20, for his next star.

Art Sherman told the Daily Racing Form on Thursday that while the timing might be a bit tight on getting California Chrome ready, “the money is too good” not to give it a shot. For making the 1 1/8-mile Pennsylvania Derby California Chrome’s first start off the bench, Sherman and the owners are guaranteed money each once he leaves the starting gate. The deal is part of a bonus that gives $50,000 each to the owner and trainer of any horse who has won any of five 2014 races — the Derby, Preakness, Belmont, Haskell Invitational or the Travers Stakes.

Word has it by way of the Daily News that the trainer plans to ship California Chrome east the week of the race to arrive at Philadelphia Parx by Sept. 15.

The ‘back up plan’ would be to run in the Awesome Again Stakes at Santa Anita that same day. The ultimate goal still remains for California Chrome is the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

“It’s going to be close,” Sherman said regarding preparing the colt for the Pennsylvania Derby. “He’s the kind of horse that can surprise you. I always think I might need one more (workout), but he trains a mile and three-quarters every day. I want to have him at his peak. It’s against straight 3-year-olds. It will be interesting.”

Can’t wait to see what happens with California Chrome next!

Clairenmike

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