By Bloodhorse.com
DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 28, 2014) —
Dual classic winner California Chrome successfully debuted over turf in the $300,000 Hollywood Derby (gr. IT) Nov. 29 at Del Mar when he defeated Queen’s Plate winner Lexie Lou by two lengths in a sterling performance (VIDEO).
Victor Espinoza was once again aboard California Chrome for trainer Art Sherman and owner/breeders Perry Martin and Steve Coburn. California Chrome completed the 1 1/8-mile distance in 1:47.88 over firm ground to win the Hollywood Derby, which was contested for the first time at Del Mar.
After leading into the first turn, California Chrome settled into second behind Sawyer’s Hill before overtaking that rival leaving the final turn. He opened up a three-length advantage in the lane and came home impressively under urging from Espinoza.
A California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit , California Chrome was the 7-10 favorite in the field of six. The game filly Lexie Lou, who was rolling late under Corey Nakatani, came on for second, with Talco and Drayden Van Dyke another length behind in third. Sawyer’s Hill was fourth.
It was the fourth grade I win of the year for California Chrome, who is a leading contender for Horse of the Year and 3-year-old Eclipse honors. He previously won the Santa Anita Derby (gr. I), Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), and Preakness Stakes (gr. I). The good-looking chestnut colt was coming off a close third-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I).
California Chrome paid $3.40, $2.60, and $2.10 across the board, keying a chalky $9.80 exacta with 5-2 second choice Lexie Lou, who returned $3 and $2.60. The French-bred Talco paid $3.60 to show at 11-1 odds, completing a $42, trifecta.
The Hollywood Derby, formerly held at Hollywood Park, was shortened a furlong from 1 1/4 miles due to the configuration of the Del Mar course.
California Chrome, who ended a three-race losing streak since his 1 1/2-length Preakness triumph May 17, became the seventh Kentucky Derby winner to subsequently race at Del Mar, and the first since Giacomo in 2006.
Asked afterward if California Chrome should be Horse of the Year, the soft-spoken Sherman responded, “In my eyes, but I might be a little biased. No other horses did what he did this year.”
Breaking from post 5, California Chrome shot to the lead in the short run to the clubhouse turn, and remained composed as Sawyer’s Hill and Rafael Bejarano swept by on his outside. In a strung-out field up the backstretch, Sawyer’s Hill sped through quarter-mile fractions of :23.56 and :46.95 while opening up by about three lengths on a stalking California Chrome.
“He came out of there like a rocket,” a happy Espinoza told TVG immediately after the race. “I just let him settle down and he went on from there.”
Sawyer’s Hill began to come back to the pack as they entered the final turn, still leading after completing six furlongs in 1:11.48. But California Chrome was drawing closer with every stride as Espinoza turned him loose, getting control as they left the bend and opening daylight under some right-handed urging in upper stretch.
“When I asked him he opened up three or four lengths in no time,” Espinoza noted. “He’s back.”
Lexie Lou, who saved ground while racing midpack into the far turn, rallied belatedly into second at the furlong mark after angling out for the drive. She was gaining ground willingly through deep stretch to finish second over the stalking Talco, who gained the show spot by 1 3/4 lengths over the weakening Sawyer’s Hill. Cabral and Flamboyant (FR) trailed.
California Chrome’s connections had been wanting to try him on the turf, hoping that a good effort will open up a wealth of options for the colt heading into his 4-year-old season. The impressive way in which he accomplished his first grass victory could also sway some opinions in the Horse of the Year voting as well. California Chrome came up a neck short while stuck wide throughout in the Breeder’s Cup Classic Nov. 1 at Santa Anita Park.
Won in controversy by Bayern, the Classic may not be the championship decider it often is.
California Chrome, out of the obscure Not For Love mare Love The Chase, posted his sixth victory from nine starts this year while surpassing the $4 million mark in earnings this year. His overall mark stands at 9-1-1 in 16 lifetime races, and he has amassed $4,222,650 in purses.