Chrome’ Breezes at Los Al

Likely GI Kentucky Derby favorite California Chrome (Lucky Pulpit) breezed four furlongs in :48.20 at his Los Alamitos base yesterday. The flashy chestnut is scheduled to ship to Louisville Monday. “It was a great work,” trainer Art Sherman said. “He galloped out [five furlongs] in 1:01. Everything’s looking good. I’m happy.” Jockey Victor Espinoza added, “It was an excellent work. He went slower today because the track is just a little bit slow [due to overnight showers]. He always breaks off fast and I slowed him down today, Art didn’t want me to go too fast. He wanted it nice and easy and gallop out nice.” Espinoza continued, “Every time I come here, he looks different. He’s bigger, stronger. It’s amazing how much they can change from one week to the next, it’s unbelievable.” The Steve Coburn and Perry Martin colorbearer heads to the Derby riding a four-race winning streak, headed by a jaw-dropping win in the GI Santa Anita Derby Apr. 5. “He’s the kind of horse you dream about,” said Sherman, who, at age 18, accompanied the California-bred Swaps to Louisville as his regular exercise rider leading into his win in the 1955 Kentucky Derby. “Swaps had the same demeanor this horse has. Nothing bothered Swaps and he was a runner. You just have to hope for the best.”