By Bloodhorse.com
DUBAI, U.A.E. (Feb. 22, 2016) — California Chrome , the U.S. Horse of the Year of 2014, as expected was entered for a 1 1/4-mile handicap at Meydan Racecourse Feb. 25 that will be his first start in Dubai this year and serve as his prep for the $10 million Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) March 26.
The 5-year-old California-bred Lucky Pulpit horse, who finished second to Prince Bishop in last year’s World Cup, has an official rating of 121, which makes him the highest-rated horse in the field of 10 when entries were revealed Feb. 22. Final declarations, along with jockeys, post positions, and post time will be announced Feb. 23.
It’s the same race Curlin used to prepare for his 2008 World Cup win.
Winner of the San Pasqual Stakes (gr. II) Jan. 9 at Santa Anita Park in his last start, California Chrome, trained by Art Sherman for owners Perry Martin and Taylor Made, is the 132-pound highweight in the handicap and will be giving from 15 to 27 pounds to rivals that could include Think Ahead and Storm Belt, the next two highest-rated horses at 105 who will each carry 115 pounds.
Think Ahead won at the same distance Feb. 4. Storm Belt was fourth Jan. 21 at Meydan, also at the distance.