Sherman arrives in Baltimore for Preakness

Art Sherman met up with a good friend upon his arrival at Pimlico (Jim McCue/Maryland Jockey Club) Trainer Art Sherman arrived at Pimlico Tuesday afternoon, reuniting with California Chrome, his Kentucky Derby winner and likely heavy favorite for Saturday’s $1.5 million Preakness. The 77-year-old Sherman, who became the oldest trainer to saddle a Kentucky Derby winner on May 3, had taken a break from the 2014 Triple Crown campaign on May 5 while tending to his Southern California-based stable. “He looks great,” said Sherman after greeting the chestnut colt in Stall 40 at the Preakness Stakes Barn, the traditional spot reserved each year for the Kentucky Derby winner. “He’s holding his weight, which is one of the big factors.”

Sherman enjoyed a hero’s welcome when he returned to Los Alamitos, which will
hold Thoroughbred meetings this season in the absence of racing at the shuttered
Hollywood Park.

“When I went back to Los Alamitos, where his home base is, on the marquee, it
said, ‘California Chrome, Home of the Kentucky Derby Winner.’ It was really
cool,” Sherman said. “It’s very exciting to have a Derby horse. You think you
maybe have a shot for the Triple Crown. You don’t know. I’m the kind of guy who
goes race by race, but I wouldn’t want to be in anyone else’s shoes.”

California Chrome, who became the first California-bred horse to win the Run
for the Roses in 52 years, would be the fifth horse bred in the Golden State
with a victory Saturday, joining Snow Chief (1986), Candy Spots (1963), Kalitan
(1917) and Old England (1902).

“It means a lot to the whole industry and to racing, which we needed,” said
Sherman, who rode at Bowie in 1959 but was making his first visit to Pimlico
Wednesday. “We need stars right now and I think we’ve got a chance.”

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