Five horses broke from the starting gate in Saturday’s San Diego Handicap at Del Mar, but as expected, the 1-1/16 test quickly became a duel between a pair of chestnut heavyweights in California Chrome and Dortmund. Though valiant in his first start off an 8 month layoff, Dortmund was unable to put away the 2014 Horse of the Year, who has now won all three of his starts in his 5-year-old campaign.

California Chrome and jockey Victor Espinoza broke sharply from post 6, while Dortmund and Gary Stevens were a step slow coming out of the 1 hole. But Stevens quickly hustled his massive colt to the front, setting honest fractions as California Chrome, carrying 5 extra pounds, rated just to his outside. As the field turned for home Espinoza gently hit the gas and took command at the top of the stretch. Dortmund answered the challenge, fighting valiantly to the wire but could not get past his decorated rival, who finished the lap in 1:40.84.

“I saved something for the end. I knew I’d have to,” said Espinoza. “I have a lot of respect for Dortmund and he made me run hard…What a terrific comeback race for him. He’s back. He’s such a special horse.”

It’s the 13th win in 22 career starts for California Chrome, who was making his first start since winning the Dubai World Cup in March. If everything stays on track, California Chrome’s next start will be next month in the Grade I TVG Pacific Classic at Del Mar, where he could potentially lock up once again with Dortmund and the super mare Beholder.

It was just the third career loss for the 4-year-old Dortmund, but a promising effort nevertheless. His three losses have come at the hands of two horses: American Pharoah and California Chrome. No shame there. If he can stay healthy, the Bob Baffert trainee will be a force to be reckoned with in the Classic Division.