California Chrome (Lucky Pulpit) and 'TDN Rising Star' Dortmund (Big Brown), first and second home, respectively, in a stirring renewal of the GII San Diego H. July 23, completed their preparations for their upcoming rematch in the Aug. 20 GI TVG Pacific Classic with Sunday morning workouts in Southern California.
California Chrome was out early to breeze five furlongs at trainer Art Sherman's Los Alamitos base, covering the distance in 1:00.20 with regular exercise rider Dihigi Gladney in the irons. The move was accomplished in splits of :12 flat, :24 flat and “:36 and change” according to Sherman's watch.
“He looked good and finished strong. We're ready,” Sherman told the Del Mar media office, adding that the 5-year-old will arrive at Del Mar around mid-morning Monday to train up to the $1-million race.
Breezing in the company of fellow 'Rising Star' Drefong (Gio Ponti), Dortmund drilled seven furlongs in 1:24.60, going in fractions of :12, :23.80, :36.40, :59.80 and 1:11.60. The hulking chestnut broke off about a length behind his company, caught up at the head of the lane and raced on even terms the remainder. Drefong was given a six-furlong time of 1:12.
“[Dortmund] worked very nicely, we're very happy with it,” trainer Bob Baffert commented.
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