LOS AL: CALIFORNIA CHROME WORKS FIVE FURLONGS IN 1:00 3/5

By Robert Mieszerski —-

ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR WINTER CHALLENGE DEC. 17

CYPRESS, Calif. – Preparing for a much anticipated start in the recently-created Winter Challenge Dec. 17, California Chrome worked five furlongs in 1:00 3/5 Saturday morning at Los Alamitos.

Under regular exercise rider Dihigi Gladney, the 5-year-old son of Lucky Pulpit completed the opening quarter of a mile in 24 4/5 seconds, the half-mile in 48 4/5 and galloped out six furlongs in 1:13 2/5, according to Los Alamitos clocker Russell Hudak.

“Chrome looked like he was well in hand,’’ said trainer Art Sherman. “He just does what he has to do in the morning.’’

California Chrome, who is owned by Taylor Made Farm and co-breeder Perry Martin, has won 15 of 25 and banked $14,452,650. His 10 graded stakes wins include the Kentucky Derby and Preakness on his way to Horse of the Year honors in 2014.

Runner-up behind Arrogate in the Breeders’ Cup Classic Nov. 5, California Chrome remains on target to make his first start at Los Alamitos, where he has been based since January, 2014, in the Winter Challenge. The race at 1 1/16 miles is designed as a prep for the $12 million Pegasus World Cup Jan. 28 at Gulfstream Park.

“The race next Saturday will be our big tune up for the Pegasus,’’ Sherman said. “I just hope we have a safe trip and everyone has an enjoyable time. I’m looking forward to running him here in Orange County. I know he has a lot of fans. I think it will be a great day.’’

Nominations will close later today and be available Sunday, Dec. 11 for the Winter Challenge. As of late afternoon Dec. 9, there were 29 nominations for the race, which has a guaranteed purse of $100,000.

The Pegasus is scheduled to be the last race for California Chrome, the world’s richest active thoroughbred, before he begins his stud career in Kentucky.

Cover Photo: California Chrome; Kate Jones Photography