From Santa Anita Publicity
The Kentucky Derby is still three months away, but Victor Espinoza is hopeful both he and California Chrome can make it to the 140th Run for the Roses on May 3.
Hard to believe it’s going on 12 years since Espinoza scored a 20-1 Derby upset in 2002 when he piloted War Emblem to a front-running victory for trainer Bob Baffert.
Art Sherman trains California Chrome, a 3-year-old California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit owned and bred by Martin Perry and Steven Coburn. Espinoza has ridden California Chrome twice, registering impressive daylight wins against Cal-breds each time, in the King Glorious at Hollywood Park and the California Cup Derby at Santa Anita.
Next up: open company in the Grade II San Felipe Stakes on March 8.
“He’s very consistent,” said agent Brian Beach in evaluating the 41-year-old Espinoza’s success this meet which has placed him among the top five in victories. “People know what they’re going to get from him. He’s not one of the young guys; he’s not one of the old guys.
“He’s kind of in between, and I think that has some appeal. He’s got experience, but also youthful enthusiasm. He also rides this track very well and I think that helps, too.”
Reflecting on his Derby win a dozen years ago, Espinoza said, “It seems like it just happened. I don’t know where the time went. But I’m excited about California Chrome.”
While a win in the Kentucky Derby would be his second, Espinoza will experience a first in his career of more than 15 years come Saturday.
“Tomorrow we’ll have our first foray to Los Alamitos to work California Chrome,” Beach said. “That should be an adventure, because Victor’s never even seen the place before.”