California Chrome is looking forward to a return to the track
CHROME WANTS YEAR END LUSTER As 2014 draws to a close, Thoroughbred superstar California Chrome is looking to add a little shine to what has already been a spectacular year. And if things go right, he will do it fittingly at a fall meet named for the stars. The first ever Bing Crosby meet at Del Mar is offering up a pair of opportunities for team Chrome as they look to add to his already impressive resume. As Del Mar has filled the void with the closing of Hollywood Park, an interesting twist has all of the major stakes with a glamorous star name. The Betty Grable, Bob Hope, and Desi Arnaz Stakes, are just some of the names that join the Seabiscuit and Native Diver Handicaps. The playground for stars created by Crosby back in 1937 has thus far enjoyed a very successful fall meet with attendance and handle far exceeding those of the run-down Hollywood Park. So as opportunities go, the three-year old that has taken the sporting world by storm looks to finish strong at a place built for superstars. Five consecutive wins to start the year placed California Chrome way out in front of the pack in the race for Horse of the Year honors. Included in those wins were convincing runs in the Santa Anita Derby, Kentucky Derby, and Preakness. Losses in the Belmont Stakes and Pennsylvania Derby may have created some doubt in the “what have you done for me lately” minded public, but a very courageous third place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Classic by a diminishing nose should have restored some confidence. Now, the Chrome team wants to get this son of Lucky Pulpit back on the track and prove he really is the horse everyone thought he was back in May. “We think another win might give us a good chance to show people how great he is and make him more attractive for breeding,” says Chrome owner Steve Coburn. “Del Mar presents a great opportunity for us to get back out and compete. We are excited about running at a great place like Del Mar.” The two potential races for Chrome would be the mile and an eighth Hollywood Derby on the turf and the Native Diver at the same distance on the poly track. Both will be run on November 29 with the first preference interestingly enough being the Hollywood on the grass. If Chrome were to succeed and win on turf it would certainly be bigger as it would add some serious depth to his list of accomplishments. “If he can win on turf that would be three different surfaces for him as he has already won on the cushion track and dirt,” says Coburn. “It could really be a big statement for him and his versatility. We have to see if he likes the grass there and if he does the turf race will be our first choice.” The Hollywood Derby is a grade 1 race and could give California Chrome his fourth win at racing’s highest level this year. The fact it is on turf means even more in the marketing of Chrome. Good horses can win within their scope, great horses can win outside their realm. The Chrome conditioners think running and winning on any surface is a realistic goal. “Just the way he moves makes me think he can be a good grass horse,” says trainer Art Sherman. “I have wanted to try him on turf and this is an opportune time. If he can run on grass it gives us a lot of options for his 4-year old season.” California Chrome will work at Del Mar on November 23 and from that work the decision will be made as to which race he will run in. For the folks at Del Mar it really does not matter, they are just tickled to have a star like Chrome entering the starting gates.
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