California Chrome (Lucky Pulpit) returned to trainer Art Sherman's Los Alamitos base Sunday, a day after his thrilling victory over Dortmund (Big Brown) in the GII San Diego H.
“He said he missed it and wanted to get back,” Sherman said, before adding, “He pulled up good, ate up and looks great. I'm really happy with everything about him this morning.”
Trainer Bob Baffert was also happy with Dortmund Sunday morning.
“Dortmund looks great this morning,” Baffert said. “He showed up [Saturday] and I'm proud of his performance. You look at his form and he only loses to Kentucky Derby winners.”
Dortmund has lost only three times in 11 career starts: twice to Triple Crown winner American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile) in the GI Kentucky Derby and GI Preakness S., and now to 2014 Derby winner California Chrome.
“I had a lot of respect for California Chrome going in and I gained a lot more respect [Saturday],” Baffert said. “Art has done an exceptional job with him.”
The San Diego was California Chrome's first race since winning the G1 Dubai World Cup in March, while Dortmund hadn't started since winning the GIII Native Diver S. last November. Sherman thinks both horses will come on for their efforts Saturday.
“They both ran terrific,” Sherman said after the race. “I think both horses needed a race and you'll see two stronger horses coming back in the [Aug. 20 GI TVG] Pacific Classic.”
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