Jockey Victor Espinoza won the Triple Crown in his third attempt aboard American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile) last year, and in March, if all goes to plan, he will get a second chance at the world's richest race, the G1 Dubai World Cup, with California Chome (Lucky Pulpit). The pair finished second in the $10 million race last year.
Espinoza rode California Chrome to victories in the 2014 GI Kentucky, Santa Anita and Hollywood Derbies and GI Preakness S., and was the man in the saddle of the 2014 Horse of the Year when he won the GII San Pasqual S. off a 10-month layoff Jan. 10.
“When it came down to the race, I thought it would be an easy race for him,” Espinoza said. “He ran as I expected, a big race, and then he got a little bit tired, which is normal after a big lay off.”
Espinoza is now looking ahead to Dubai, where California Chrome is expected to have at least one prep race for trainer Art Sherman.
“I'm curious like everybody else how he will run his next race in Dubai as he has to ship and it's a long way to get there,” the jockey said. “He has done it before, but you never know. If he runs the way he ran his last race, I think he will be in good shape for the Dubai World Cup.”
Espinoza suggested the chestnut should have just one more start before the big day.
“I think it will be too much for him to run twice before the World Cup,” he said. “One race before will be enough and he will be in good shape. It's very important they travel right and are happy. The most important thing for me is the horse is happy in the race. If he's happy in the race, he will run his best.”
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