California Chrome? You Won't Hear a Peep From Me
Every other contending three-year-old that I have bet on, drooled over, or that I thought was the next coming of Man of War, have all been defeated except, California Chrome. And I’m afraid to jinx him. So I won’t write about him. I won’t tell you that California Chrome, since he has won his last four races in a convincing way, is getting all the attention as a pre-race favorite in the Kentucky Derby. I won’t mention that he is undefeated as a three year old, he spent his two-year-old campaign learning his craft with seven races and three wins. He’s big, meaty, and has looked scary good in races like the Santa Anita Derby, but you didn’t hear it from me.
The thing that I refuse to mention is this horse has taken off after the jockey change to Victor Espinoza that started with a whopping five length victory over the field in the King Glorious Stakes at Betfair Hollywood Park at the end of 2013. Espinoza, 42 years old from Mexico, was on board the 2002 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner War Emblem. Whether kismet or a smart business decision, with Espinoza in the irons, the horse moves in big ways, but you didn’t hear that from me either.
I refuse to utter that California Chrome’s team is headed by partners Steve Coburn and Perry Martin and is trained by 77 year old Art Sherman. The DAP partnership is allegedly named after the decision to buy California Chromes dam, Love the Chase. The remark made about that decision was called a "dumb ass" move and an affiliation was formed known as Dumb Ass Partners (DAP). And adding to the legend is that the team’s emblem is a jackass. True? What do I know, I have locked my lips and have thrown away the key for fear of me being the one to blow it for the horse who has four white socks and a big, pretty blaze going down his face.
What I will tell you is that history has not been a friend of California-bred Kentucky Derby winners. California Chrome is hoping to become the fourth Golden State bred winner in May’s biggest race, the last time was with the 1962 Derby winner Decidedly. I don’t want to be the reason that this horse has hit the skids just because I have given him a look see. I will say that he is impressive and should be a feared competitor, if I was going to say anything at all.
Pre-race Derby favorite? You won’t hear it from me, but this son of Lucky Pulpit is riding with the wind right now. Is he able to beat 19 other talented horses? Anything can happen and usually does with my money on the line, but Cali has already beaten some good horses. Can Espinoza bring it on home again? Espi is locked on to this rocket and I don’t think he’ll let go. These are questions that I won’t answer since I’m not writing about California Chrome. We’ll all have to wait and see. Don’t worry there is plenty to read about California Chrome here at Horse Racing Nation, I don’t want to jinx him. Riders Up!