By Bloodhorse.com
DUBAI, U.A.E. (Mar. 24, 2015) — With exercise rider Dana Barnes in tow, Dubai World Cup contender California Chrome breezed a half mile early Tuesday morning in :50 over a fast Meydan main track.
“He got the last eighth in 11 seconds,” said Alan Sherman, assistant and son of trainer Art Sherman. “We just wanted to stretch his legs. If he’s not fit by now, it’s too late.”
With all six of his wins as a 3-year-old coming against restricted company, California Chrome took full advantage of his sophomore season to claim Eclipse Award honors as Horse of the Year and champion 3-year-old male, but Sherman believes he can be as successful now that he is facing older horses.
“He’s not a real heavy horse but I do think he’s grown into his 4-year-old season and that he’s a lot stronger,” Sherman said. “I’m just glad the owners (Steve Coburn and Perry Martin) decided to run him another year.”
Jockey Victor Espinoza, who has partnered with Chrome for his last 11 runs, will be back aboard for Saturday’s Dubai World Cup.