Chrome’ Watch: Dual Classic Winner Has Final Breeze for Pa Derby

In his final work before he resumes his racing career in the GII Pennsylvania Derby next Saturday, GI Kentucky Derby and GI Preakness S. hero California Chrome (Lucky Pulpit) drilled six furlongs in 1:13.80 at Los Alamitos Saturday morning. 

Freshened since his run at the Triple Crown ended with a fourth-place finish in the GI Belmont S. June 7, the California-bred posted splits of :25.40 and :49.60, and covered five furlongs in 1:01.80. According to Los Alamitos clocker Russ Hudak, California Chrome galloped out seven furlongs in 1:27.80. 

California Chrome worked six furlongs in 1:10.37 in an afternoon move between races at Los Alamitos Sept. 6. 

“Very nice, very nice,’’ trainer Art Sherman said. “I thought he did it well in hand. I didn’t want to go as fast today. I wanted more air into him. He kicked it in. He went the last eighth of a mile in :12 and galloped out a mile in 1:43.’’ 

California Chrome will ship to Parx Tuesday for next weekend’s $1-million race. 

“We’ll gallop him over the track to see how he handles it, then school him, stand him in the gate, walk through the paddock, just basic stuff,’’ Sherman concluded. “He’s not going to need anything else.’’