THE CHROME REPORT
In case you have been wondering what happened to Santa Anita Derby, Kentucky Derby, and Preakness hero California Chrome, here is a little update.
Back at home in the great state of California, Chrome is conditioning for a return to racing. Having settled in at Los Alamitos, this Art Sherman trained colt has been quite lively of late as he prepares for another run at glory in the Pennsylvania Derby on September 20. As he continues to chase immortality, many are anxiously awaiting the return of the first California-bred Kentucky Derby champion since 1962 (Decidedly). One of the most giddy is perhaps his father-like figure and co-owner Steve Coburn.
“We have visited him several times and watched him work,” says Coburn. “In a recent work he turned in a solid six furlongs and then galloped out real nice. He’s looking great right now and has been eating everything, but then again, eating has never been a problem for Chrome.”
The Pennsylvania Derby is a grade 2 mile and an eighth race run on dirt at the PARX racing facility in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. The 2013 event saw eventual three-year old champion Will Take Charge storm to victory. Restricted to three-year olds only, this million-dollar race has played host to many of the finest in the division over the years. Past winners include the likes of Western Playboy, Summer Squall, Macho Uno, Harlan’s Holiday, To Honor and Serve, and Handsome Mike. Coburn and the California Chrome team understand adding his name to that list will not be easy.
“Coming back in a mile and an eighth race is a little scary,” admits Coburn. “But you know, no matter what happens here or for the rest of the year, you can’t take away what he has already accomplished. We are very proud of him and we believe he will be just fine because he really likes what he does.”
California Chrome is scheduled to have two more works before shipping to Pennsylvania and will go with blinkers on in his next work at Los Alamitos as he gets dialed in.
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