Trainer Art Sherman arrived in Dubai Monday night to oversee California Chrome (Lucky Pulpit)'s final preparations for Saturday's G1 Dubai World Cup, and the trainer was not mincing words Tuesday when speaking to the press about the improvement the 5-year-old has made since he finished second in the world's richest race last year.
“He's a lot stronger horse now,” said Sherman. “I think he's five lengths better. You're just going to see a different Chrome this time.”
Unlike last year, when he shipped in for the main event, California Chrome has been stationed in Dubai since late January. He won a Dubai World Cup track-and-trip handicap in eye-catching style Feb. 25. Alan Sherman, Art's son and assistant, has been by the chestnut's side during his stay in Dubai, and he said, “He loves what he does. He comes out here, does his job, and he loves it. He's always been that way.”
Another World Cup contender with a prep over the Meydan surface is Godolphin's 4-year-old Frosted (Tapit), who won the G2 Al Maktoum Challenge R2 Feb. 4 and was twice placed behind Triple Crown winner American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile) last year. Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin's brother and assistant Neal McLaughlin told the press Tuesday, “He's really come into his own. It helps that American Pharoah isn't here. We always say we had the right horse in the wrong year. We came over early and gave him time to acclimate.”
“The prep couldn't have gone any better,” McLaughlin added. “With seven weeks since his last start, he's fresh, happy and ready to run. We are full of confidence.”
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