December 22, 2024

California Chrome impresses in morning gallop

Last updated: 5/27/14 12:10 PM











California Chrome impressed assistant trainer Alan Sherman with his energy

(Susie Raisher/Adam Coglianese Photography)

California Chrome had his connections raving about his form following his
two-mile gallop on Tuesday at Belmont Park.

Alan Sherman, assistant to his father, Art Sherman, said the colt, who will
attempt to sweep the Triple Crown when he competes in the $1.5 million
Belmont Stakes on June 7, expressed his eagerness long this morning before
setting foot on the track.

“He was feeling really good today,” said Sherman. “He was dragging me around
the (shedrow) before we went to the track. He’s on it.”

California Chrome noticeably tugged at exercise rider Willie Delgado during
his gallop, which pleased Sherman.

“When I was watching through the binoculars I saw when he grabbed a hold of
Willie,” Sherman said. “You can always tell because he leans on him and you can
see Willie start to lean back. He was galloping good and strong today. I was
happy about it.”

Delgado said it was difficult for him to resist the temptation to let
California Chrome go faster.

“Today he was much more sharp,” Delgado said. “I let him (go to) see how far
he’ll go pulling me like that, but then I have to slow him down. I’m like, ‘No,
son, you got to get back over here.'”

California Chrome won the Kentucky Derby by 1 3/4 lengths and the Preakness by
1 1/2 lengths, and Delgado said he has even more confidence going into the 1
1/2-mile Belmont than he did before the first two legs of the Triple Crown.

“I can tell you he loves this track, and I don’t see him any problem getting
a mile and a half,” Delgado said. “This is the strongest I’ve felt about him
winning a race. I said it before, if he wins the Derby, we’ll probably go all
the way. He’s starting to show he can go over this track very easy.”

Sherman said California Chrome remains on schedule to breeze on Saturday,
likely at 8:45 a.m. (EDT) following the renovation break.



Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com