All eyes on California Chrome

Trainer Art Sherman, on California Chrome, at the Meydan racecourse on Tuesday. - Photo by Dhes Handumon

When Prince Bishop became the oldest horse to win the $6 million first prize Dubai World Cup showpiece event last year, the hot entry California Chrome went home satisfied with the second prize money of $2 million. 
Japan's Hokko Tarumae, under Michiaki Yabe, and African Story, the 2014 winner, under James Doyle, set the early pace with California Chrome, the American horse of the year, stalking on the outside.
California Chrome impressed on the home stretch as he joined Hokko Tarumae (fifth last year), who is also back this year, close on the inside. Patient Prince Bishop made his move from the outside soon after for a clearcut drive towards the finish.
Art Sherman, California Chrome's trainer on the prize for the night (2015), said last year: "Second money is not bad at all. He lost a little bit of ground, but no excuses. Turning for home he had an equal chance. The favourite does not always win, does it?"
The Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner (California Chrome) could not match the old warrior (Prince Bishop) and finished second, with Lea and Candy Boy, another entrant this year, finishing third and fourth.
This time the Californian entry is even hotter and a bigger pre-event favourite.
Sherman told Khaleej Times on Tuesday: "This is a big one for us. Close last year and the form he has been kicking up in recent times is encouraging and we are here to go full out.
"The five-year is a willing learner, great trier, knows tracks worldwide and is a great traveler on and off the course. He has been to so many big time events, name it in England, elsewhere in Europe, Dubai and of course the home courses back in the states," Sherman added. "The early morning workouts and pace making sessions went of superbly here yesterday (Monday) and today (Tuesday). The hands are very happy with the progress he has made on getting acquainted with the new surroundings quickly," he said.
"He is a good one with the willingness to adjust and move as per the rider's ways when the situation demands a higher gear or a slowdown," Sherman said.
"The preparations back home were long and gradually built up in tempo to gel with the requirements of the demanding Dubai World Cup."
California Chrome (foaled in February 18, 2011) is an American thoroughbred with wins in the 2014 Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. He was named the 2014 American Horse of the Year. Bred in California, he is a grandson of Pulpit, with two lines in his pedigree to the California-bred 1955 Kentucky Derby winner Swaps.
The chestnut-colored horse, owned by California Chrome LLC was named for his flashywhite markings, called 'chrome' by horse aficionados.
Victor Espinoza who rode California Chrome last year will again be there atop one of the most talked about race horses in the world.
Last year, he told the media: "He (California Chrome) lost a bit of stride especially on the turn because Hokko Tarumae on the inside pushed me out. That kind of took some of the air out of his lungs. But overall, he ran awesome."
moni@khaleejtimes.com