By Bloodhorse.com
CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 19, 2014) — California Chrome drilled a handy half mile in :49 flat at Los Alamitos Race Course Dec. 19 as he prepares for his 2015 debut in the $500,000 San Antonio Stakes (gr. II). Meanwhile, trainer Art Sherman weighed in the Horse of the Year balloting.
The dual classic winner had regular rider Victor Espinoza aboard on a cleared track for the workout. The workout was California Chrome’s second drill at his home oval since capturing the Hollywood Derby (gr. IT) over the Del Mar turf Nov 29. Sherman has targeted the 1 1/8-mile San Antonio for the chestnut colt’s season debut Feb. 7 at Santa Anita Park.
As far as the 2014 campaign is concerned, all that awaits is the counting of the ballots to determine Horse of the Year honors, to be announced at the annual Eclipse Award dinner Jan. 17. With four grade I victories to his credit and six wins overall, California Chrome is a leading contender.
Sherman says he doesn’t know what to expect.
“It’s going to be close this year,” he said. “I’m sure California Chrome will at least get 3-year-old of the year, but then again, you don’t really know. A lot depends on how the Eastern bloc votes.
“If it depended on the California vote, I’d win in a landslide. He won the Santa Anita Derby, the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness (all gr. I), three classic races. It used to be that if you won the Derby and the Preakness, it was automatic that you’d be 3-year-old of the year.
“Now it’s kind of up for grabs, but hey, listen, I know one award I’ll win: that’s Cal-bred of the year,” Sherman added with a big laugh.
As for Friday’s workout, Alan Sherman, Art’s son and assistant, said, “It was just what we were looking for.”
Los Alamitos head clocker Russ Hudak added, “He went the first quarter in :24 3/5. He was just going easy, just stretching his legs.”
Awards aside, racing stands to benefit thanks to owners/breeders Steve Colburn and Perry Martin’s decision to race the California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit next year.
“It’s been a great year and I’m so proud of the horse,” the elder Sherman said. “He’s done everything he could under the circumstances. He’s going to be a great 4-year-old. I’m looking forward to that.”