From Santa Anita Publicity
CYPRESS, Calif. (Feb. 16, 2014) — California Cup Derby winner California Chrome worked four furlongs at Los Alamitos Saturday in 47.80 in preparation for his foray into open company in the Grade II, $300,000 San Felipe Stakes on March 8, where it is expected he will face, among others, the Bob Baffert-trained Bayern, smashing 15-length allowance winner on Thursday.
“I got him galloping out (five furlongs) in 1:00 3/5,” said trainer Art Sherman, who had his regular exercise rider, Jay Conklin, aboard the California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit. Sherman was philosophical about facing tougher foes in the San Felipe.
“We can’t duck anybody,” he said. “We need points (to qualify for the Kentucky Derby on May 3). I’ll just keep my fingers crossed.” The San Felipe is worth 50 Kentucky Derby points to the winner.