By Bloodhorse.com
ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 6, 2016) — In anticipation of his 2016 comeback in the Jan. 9 San Pasqual Stakes (gr. II) at Santa Anita Park, Taylor Made Stallions launched the new official home on the web for California Chrome Jan. 6 at TheChampIsBack.com.
The interactive website features a modern, responsive, and media-rich design that offers fans a premier experience and the ability to follow California Chrome on their favorite device, as the champ embarks on his much-anticipated 5-year-old campaign. There will be special features announced as target races are established throughout the racing season, providing for exclusive behind-the-scenes access to California Chrome and his journey towards capturing another championship.
Taylor Made will give away new collectable 2016 California Chrome calendars to the first 100 visitors that sign up on the contact form at the new site.
“We could not be more excited about California Chrome’s comeback, and this website is a way for us to share his 2016 season with the fans that have really embraced and supported him beyond our wildest imagination,” said Duncan Taylor, president and chief executive officer at Taylor Made. “California Chrome is such a special horse, and we are hopeful that he has a special season ahead of him for his tremendous fan base to follow every step of the way. We plan to do some cool things on the website as his racing goals unfold, and we look forward to the fan interaction and support.”
Trained by Art Sherman, California Chrome has been entered in the $200,000 San Pasqual, where he’ll reunite with jockey Victor Espinoza, who will be debuting the colors of the new ownership group, California Chrome, LLC, a partnership consisting of Perry and Denise Martin, Taylor Made, and several prominent breeders. California Chrome will make his first start of the year off a final six-furlong workout last Jan. 2 at Santa Anita in 1:10.04 that prompted Sherman to exclaim California Chrome is “the best he’s ever been.”
BALAN: California Chrome Blazes in Santa Anita Drill
The champion 3-year-old and Horse of the Year in 2014, California Chrome has already established himself as the most accomplished racehorse from the A. P. Indy sire line, with four grade I wins to his credit—two Classics, the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and Preakness Stakes (gr. I)—and earnings of $6,322,650 to date. His other grade I wins include the fastest Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) since Indian Charlie in 1998, and a win in the Hollywood Derby (gr. IT) on turf to close out his championship sophomore season. He became only the fourth 3-year-old colt to win Horse of the Year honors since 2000, joining such current top sires as Curlin and Tiznow .
California Chrome made 18 starts in 23 months at the start of his career as a 2-year-old and 3-year-old, including starts in 16 stakes races, 11 graded stakes, and eight grade I contests. He owns stakes victories on dirt, turf, and synthetic surfaces, while also scoring wins from 4 1/2 furlongs to 1 1/4 miles.
Out of the Not for Love mare Love the Chase, California Chrome hails as the fifth Kentucky Derby winner from his deep female family, which includes Swaps. He’s also line bred to Numbered Account, the dam of Private Account, fourth dam of Super Saver , and direct family of other top sires such as Woodman. California Chrome has seven strains of the great foundation mare, La Troienne.
Love the Chase recently arrived in Kentucky to be boarded at Taylor Made Farm near Nicholasville. She will be sent to Tapit for 2016.