Chrome’ & ‘A Rod’ Hit the Track at Pimlico

Steven Coburn and Perry Martin’s GI Kentucky Derby hero California Chrome (Lucky Pulpit) hit the track at Pimlico for the first time yesterday morning since his arrival from Louisville Monday. “He jogged and he was great,” said assistant trainer Alan Sherman. “He stood out there for a while, just looked around and took it all in. He’s a really curious horse. He likes to look around a lot and check out the surroundings. He was good. He was really good.” The younger Sherman stated that the chestnut’s versatility would give jockey Victor Espinoza the ability to deal with however the race plays out. “If they go too slow in front, he’ll take it right to them and push the horses in front of him. If they are going fast in front, he can just sit off the pace,” he said. “That’s the good thing about him – that he doesn’t have one style of running. He’s pretty push-button. If you ask him he’ll do it.” Trainer Art Sherman was scheduled to arrive at Pimlico from his base in Southern California yesterday afternoon. 
    Trainer Art Sherman arrived at Pimlico from his base in Southern California yesterday afternoon. “He looks great,” said Sherman. “He’s holding his weight, which is one of the big factors. When I went back to Los Alamitos, where his home base is, on the marquee, it said, ‘California Chrome, Home of the Kentucky Derby Winner.’ It was really cool. It’s very exciting to have a Derby horse. You think you maybe have a shot for the Triple Crown. You don’t know. I’m the kind of guy who goes race by race, but I wouldn’t want to be in anyone else’s shoes.””
    Also making his first appearance over the Pimlico oval was Skychai Racing and Starlight Racing’s General a Rod (Roman Ruler). Becoming the first Preakness contender for trainer Mike Maker, the dark bay galloped 1 1/2 miles under exercise rider Joel Barrientos. “He really seems to like it here,” said Maker. “He likes that big stall. He’s all sprawled every time I’ve seen him. Last night and this morning he was in the same spot, sprawled out and relaxed.” The Gulfstream Derby winner was a troubled 11th in the Kentucky Derby. “I didn’t think he had a fair shake,” said Maker. “He had a rough trip and didn’t get to run his race. He came out of it well and with high energy. It’s the Preakness, we might as well give it another shot.”