Site icon Horse Network

California Chrome “In Perfect Condition” Ahead of Dubai World Cup

John Wilkinson

Feelin' me oats! ©Neville Watkins/Dubai Racing Club

A year ago, Art Sherman found himself coping with the sinking reality that his time with his champion was through. The 78-year-old racetrack lifer who conditioned the Cal-bred colt California Chrome from humble beginnings to bonafide superstar status after winning the 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness, watched helplessly as the colt’s co-owners squabbled over the future of their four-legged lottery ticket.

It was the decision to ship California Chrome to the UAE for last year’s Dubai World Cup that triggered the falling out between co-breeders and owners Steve Coburn and Perry Martin. For his part, Chrome put forth one of his finest efforts to date, finishing 2nd in his first trip around the dirt at Meydan Racecourse. Following the World Cup, and to much internal and public consternation, he was shipped off to England and out of the hands of Sherman. His Euro vacation was interrupted by a hoof abscess however, and Chrome was returned stateside to an uncertain future. Then, Martin bought out Coburn’s stake in the horse and soon found another partner in Taylor Made Farm, who secured the colt’s future breeding rights and offered a proven track record for managing elite racehorses.

Though most signals pointed to imminent retirement, here we are.

(youtube/MeydanRacing)

With all the off-track drama now seemingly history and Chrome fully healed, filled out and in the familiar hands of Sherman, it’s back to work for an optimistic Team Chrome, who have ambitious plans for the now 5-year-old chestnut. It begins this Saturday with another go at the $10,000,000 Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest horse race and the first piece in what they hope will be a history making season capped off in November with a run in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita, where it all began.

The 5-year-old shipped to Dubai in January where Sherman’s son Alan has been handling the day-to-day. He easily won his tune-up over the Meydan dirt in February, and by all accounts, is working like a beast. He will be a heavy favorite to atone his near miss a year ago. A win in the Dubai World Cup would vault California Chrome to the top of the career earnings list for North American thoroughbreds, surpassing the mighty Curlin ($10,501,800).

Art Sherman arrived in Dubai earlier in the week and was blown away by his champion’s presence.

“Either I’m getting smaller or he’s getting bigger,” Sherman quipped.

“He does everything just right. He’s a pleasure to be around. I look at him and watch him on the track, and he stands there and just watches everybody train for about ten minutes and he stares at them, and goes along and does his job. He comes back, he rolls in the big sand pit we have by the barn, and he just looks so terrific. I just look at him and I say, wow…He’s a picture of health, and like I said, I’ve never seen him in this perfect condition right now for him. He looks just absolutely wonderful.”

Sherman believes Chrome is “5 lengths better” than he was going into this race last year. If that is indeed the case, his foes will have their hands full. While Chrome is the odds on choice to win the World Cup, a stacked field of 11 international rivals—including several fellow American shippers—will make this anything but a walk in the park.

Key rivals

 

Frosted: The 4-year-old grey from the red-hot barn of Kiaran McLuaghlin had the misfortune of chasing American Pharoah around the country all last year, but has the pedigree, talent and experience to put it all together here.

Keen Ice: The only horse to get the better of American Pharoah last year when he chased down the tired Triple Crown winner at the wire in the Travers Stakes at Saratoga. He’s done little since that big score to suggest he’ll get the better of this bunch, however.

Mshawish: The Todd Pletcher trainee began his career as a turf specialist before switching over to dirt last year, and didn’t miss a beat. A Grade I winner on both surfaces,  this 6-year-old is clearly an immense talent.

Hoppertunity: Although his form ranks a notch below a few others, trainer Bob Baffert has to appreciate this colt’s consistency. He doesn’t always win, but he finds a way to hit the board just about every time out (14 of 18 career starts).

Mubtaahij: Back at his home course after unsuccessfully tracking American Phaorah through last year’s Triple Crown, there’s plenty of reason to expect improvement from the 4-year-old on Saturday. It was here at Meydan a year ago where he romped home in the UAE Derby by 8 lengths.

Exit mobile version