From Breeders’ Cup Publicity
ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 31, 2014) — California Chrome “looked great,” trainer Art Sherman said Friday after the Kentucky Derby winner galloped 1 5/8 miles at 6 a.m. under regular exercise rider Willie Delgado for Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup Classic.
“I plan to jog him in the morning the wrong way for a mile,” said Sherman of the final touch with the 4-to-1 second choice in the race. “I’m hoping everything goes smooth. He’s as good as I can get him. Let the cards fall where they may.”
Sherman said he was concerned about a forecast of rain, but added that he did not think it would hamper California Chrome, who has raced on tracks listed fast in all 14 of his starts.
“We trained him on an off track at Los Alamitos and he seemed to handle it good,” said Sherman.
Co-owner and co-breeder Steve Coburn visited his colt for the second straight morning. “He’s in disguise today,” quipped Coburn. “He’s dressed like a horse. It is Halloween!”
Turning to a serious tone, Coburn said California Chrome will be carrying the hopes of many people other than him and his wife Carolyn in the Classic.
“It would mean a lot to horse racing, especially to small guys,” said Coburn when asked what a victory would mean with the blue-collar colt. “A year ago, we never thought we would be back here. He ran on the undercard (finishing sixth in the Golden State Juvenile Stakes). It’s like coming full circle.
“I’m happy to share him with people from all over the United States and Canada,” added Coburn of the popular colt’s burgeoning fan club. “He has nothing to prove to anybody. I just want them all to come home safe.”
California breeders will also be cheering loudly for the California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit. California Chrome seeks to become the second Cal-bred to win the Classic, joining Tiznow, repeat winner in 2000 and 2001.