By Paulick Report
DUBAI, U.A.E. (Feb. 24, 2016) — California-bred California Chrome drew the rail and will face seven rivals when he goes to the post in a 2000-meter (about ten furlongs) handicap on the main track at Meydan Racecourse Feb. 25.
The 2014 Horse of the Year will be spotting his rivals 15 pounds in the race, which he is using as a prep for the G1 Dubai World Cup March 26.
“He is a bigger and stronger horse this year,” assistant trainer Alan Sherman told the Dubai Racing Club. “He has done everything we have asked of him and are very pleased with his preparations.
“We decided to run this week rather than on Super Saturday to give him a month between races before the World Cup.
“We could not be happier with him and are really excited about having another crack at the Dubai World Cup.”
Unsurprisingly California Chrome heads the weights, carrying 7kg more than his seven opponents with the handicapper giving him 60kg – the same weight that Curlin carried in this race eight years ago.
Regular jockey Victor Espinoza flew in to Dubai to partner the horse in his prep race.
“He is carrying a lot of weight,” said Espinoza at Meydan on Wednesday morning after California Chrome schooled in the Parade Ring. “He is carrying 15-20lbs more than any other horse in the race but other than that he is in good shape.”
California Chrome’s race is the sixth race on the card, with post time scheduled for 12:55 p.m. Eastern.