From Equibase
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 12, 2017) — California-bred California Chrome posted the top Equibase Speed Figure in 2016, the company announced on Thursday.
California Chrome earned a 132 for his 12-length romp in the Winter Challenge Stakes at Los Alamitos Race Course on December 17. Owned by California Chrome LLC, California Chrome earned the top figure in his final start of the year, completing the 8 1/2-furlong Winter Challenge in a track record time of 1:40.03.
Horse of the Year in 2014 and a finalist for the same honor in 2016, California Chrome won six other races last year in addition to his top-ranked performance, including the Dubai World Cup, Pacific Classic, and Awesome Again Stakes. California Chrome is expected to make the final start of his career in the inaugural $12 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational at Gulfstream Park on January 28.
“The Winter Challenge race was fun because he got to finally run where he’s been based and the Los Alamitos fans really enjoyed it,” said California Chrome’s trainer, Art Sherman. “He ran five wide the whole way around and did it with such ease. It was the perfect prep for the Pegasus and I’m thrilled it also earned him the top speed figure of the year.”
Rounding out the top three winning performances of 2016 by Equibase Speed Figures were Tourist, who earned a 128 for his victory in the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Santa Anita, and Photo Call (Ire), who earned a 127 for her victory in the First Lady Stakes at Keeneland.