Derby Updates

'Chrome' Settling In at Churchill
    Likely GI Kentucky Derby favorite California Chrome (Lucky Pulpit) made his first appearance on the Churchill Downs track Tuesday after arriving in Louisville Monday. With regular exercise rider Willy Delgado aboard, the flashy chestnut hit the track at 6:45 a.m. lead by trainer Art Sherman's son Alan Sherman. The Steven Coburn and Perry Martin homebred skimmed the rail while jogging the wrong way around the oval and Delgado reported his mount felt more aggressive than usual. 
    “He shipped good and he's doing good, just like we thought,” said Art Sherman. “He's a laid-back colt, so we knew the trip wasn't going to bother him. And he's feeling awful good right now, so I'm not surprised to hear he was pulling hard.” 
    California Chrome will return to galloping Wednesday, but is likely to hit the track earlier than the designated 8:30 a.m. Derby/Oaks training period. He will school in the paddock today as well and school in the gate Thursday. 
    “He's plenty fit to run,” the trainer said. “It's mostly schooling now; getting him used to the place.” 
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'General' Puts in Final Drill… 
    Gulfstream Park Derby victor General a Rod (Roman Ruler), recently purchased by Starlight Racing and Skychai Racing, breezed a half-mile in :49.40 at Churchill yesterday. Jockey Joel Rosario was aboard for the Mike Maker pupil's final work in preparation for Saturday's GI Kentucky Derby. 
    “I never worked him in the morning and Mike asked me to be on him, and yeah, just to work for the race,” said Rosario. “He looked good, steady going the whole way.” 
    Rosario rode the dark bay to victory in the Gulfstream Park Derby and was aboard for his third-place finish last time there in the GI Besilu Stables Florida Derby Mar. 29. 

Candy Boy Doing Well in Louisville… 
    C R K Stable homebred Candy Boy (Candy Ride {Arg}) galloped 1 1/2 miles under exercise rider Jelani Grant yesterday morning during the special training period for GI Kentucky Derby/Oaks contenders. Conditioner John Sadler was very pleased with the GII Robert B. Lewis S. victor's progress. 
    “He's doing well here,” Sadler said. “[Wednesday] and Thursday, I'll stand him in the gate.” 
    Candy Boy also schooled in the paddock during the first race yesterday afternoon.