California Chrome has final BC workout

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Arcadia, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - California Chrome, the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner, had his final workout Saturday ahead of next week's Breeders' Cup Classic.

Trained by Art Sherman, the 3-year-old chestnut colt worked five furlongs in 59.60 seconds at Los Alamitos Race Course and galloped out six furlongs in 1:12 with his regular jockey Victor Espinoza. The colt will ship to Santa Anita Sunday for schooling and last-minute preparations.

"Unbelievable. He's ready to roll. We're really happy with him," said Alan Sherman, son and assistant to his father.

California Chrome, owned by Steve Coburn and Perry Martin, will take on 13 in the Classic that closes out this year's 31st Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita. The colt will meet for the first time last year's champion 2-year-old and undefeated gelding Shared Belief.

Working at Santa Anita for the Classic was Candy Boy, trained by John Sadler for C R K Stable. The 3-year-old colt worked seven furlongs Saturday morning in 1:25 flat.

"He's got one placing ahead of California Chrome in the Pennsylvania Derby (third behind Bayern) and he was second to Shared Belief in the Los Alamitos Derby," Sadler noted. "His form is his form. He's been good and steady. He hasn't shown that he's the best 3-year-old, but he's in the upper group.

"He had a terrible trip in the Kentucky Derby (13th of 19). He was essentially eliminated on the first turn. But otherwise, he's been remarkably consistent.

"We're running on his home track at a mile and a quarter and he's doing well, so we're looking forward to the race."

At Belmont Park, Belmont Stakes winner Tonalist worked five furlongs for the Classic in 1:01.75 for trainer Christophe Clement. Tonalist won the Jockey Club Gold Cup against older horses last time out.