It is question time for California Chrome fans. The biggest query facing his massive throng of followers…Will they ever see him race on u.s. soil again?
After his second place finish in the Dubai World Cup on March 28, Chrome majority owner Perry Martin whisked him away to merry old England for a bit of crumpets and tea with the queen. Actually, Martin wants to run Chrome on the turf in England probably twice. One of those races will take place at Royal Ascot, one of the most revered courses outside the United States.Reports are from there America’s horse will cross the English Channel and have a start in France. After that, a journey to Japan for a November race is on tap. If that is indeed the case, the California Chrome world tour will occupy the darling of Thoroughbred racing for the remainder of the year. That would mean no Hollywood Gold Cup, no Pacific Classic,…and dare we say it…no Breeders’ Cup!
Stop your grinnin’ and drop your linen…like Mammy told Scarlet in Gone With The Wind…”It ain’t fittin’, it just ain’t fittin'”
“I do not agree with Mr. Martin’s decision to take Chrome abroad,” says minority owner Steve Coburn. “We just want what is best for the horse and want him to remain healthy and happy.”
What would be the reasoning for a trip around the world?, Obviously it is money. The hopes of some foreign checkbook opening up and buying the marvelous California Chrome for an obscene price has to be Martin’s goal. If Chrome came back at 4 for the fans, guess we should have asked…which fans?
The good news about all this is…time can change everything. Perhaps the plan will fall apart and Chrome will be back where he belongs, thundering down the stretch with U.S. dirt beneath him!
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