California Chrome (Lucky Pulpit) made his first visit to the Del Mar main track Thursday morning with an easy 1 3/4-mile gallop as he prepares for a start in the GII San Diego H. July 23. With a gaggle of San Diego television stations close in tow, the 5-year-old made his way onto the track at 5:45 a.m. at the 3/4-mile pole and backtracked to beyond the finish line before commencing his exercise in earnest.
“He looks super,” beamed trainer Art Sherman.
California Chrome walked back to the barn to be given a bath and to cool out.
“He was fresh,” added exercise rider Dihigi Gladney. “He loves it when there's a crowd around like this, but when he's on the track he stays focused. Nothing bothers him, nothing spooks him.”
The flashy chestnut, last seen winning the G1 Dubai World Cup to take his career earnings to well past $12 million, will have another easy morning Friday and is scheduled to breeze–most likely over five furlongs–Saturday morning during a window reserved for the San Diego H. horses. The race is the main local feeder into the $1-million GI TVG Pacific Classic Aug. 20.
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