By Paulick Report
DUBAI, U.A.E. (Feb. 23, 2016) — Trainer Art Sherman and jockey Victor Espinoza both departed the United States en route to Dubai on Monday, where California Chrome is set to make his Meydan debut in a handicap event on Thursday. The 5-year-old will be making his second start off the layoff in preparation for the Dubai World Cup to be held March 26, and blazed through his final work Friday in 47.2 seconds for the half-mile, according to The National.
“He’s never carried so much in a race before,” said Sherman. Chrome is slated to carry 60kgs (132lbs) in the race Thursday. “With Dihigi (Gladney, exercise rider) on board he has 150lbs on his back every day anyway. He’s been training great, has been forward in his training and is right on schedule. I know weight is a denominator and it kills horses at some point but I think you’re going to see a champion run from him this Thursday.”
California Chrome will face eight rivals on Thursday, two of whom regularly set the pace in their races. This should allow him to track the speed from just off the pace, his preferred running style. “I just know he is a different horse to last year,” Sherman said.
In other World Cup news, US hopeful Keen Ice arrived in Dubai and had his first gallop over the Meydan surface on Monday. Both the Dale Romans trainee and UAE Derby winner Mubtaahij are set to face off in next Saturday’s third round of the Al Maktoum Challenge.
Read more at The National.