California Chrome stretches legs at Churchill

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Louisville, KY (SportsNetwork.com) - Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome was one of five Preakness Stakes contenders who galloped Friday morning at Churchill Downs.

Trained by Art Sherman, California Chrome, with exercise rider Willie Delgado in the saddle, again galloped 1 1/2 miles eight days ahead of his start in the middle jewel of racing's Triple Crown.

Ride On Curlin, seventh in the Run for the Roses, galloped 1 1/8 miles with Bryan Beccia riding. Ride On Curlin is trained by Billy Gowan and will be ridden in the Preakness by Joel Rosario.

Illinois Derby winner Dynamic Impact, trained by Mark Casse, had a 1 1/2-mile gallop for the second straight day. The colt will be ridden by Miguel Mena in the Preakness.

Ria Antonia, winner of last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, put in her second straight 1 1/2-mile gallop at Churchill with Maurice Sanchez riding.

Highly regarded Bayern also put in a 1 1/2-mile gallop Friday morning with Jorge Alvarez in the saddle.

With the addition Friday of General a Rod there are now 10 probable starters for the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, May 17.

General a Rod, owned by Starlight Racing and Skychai Racing, was 11th in the Kentucky Derby with Joel Rosario riding. Javier Castellano will have the riding assignment in the Preakness. Trainer Mike Maker will have the 3-year- old colt flown to Baltimore on Monday.