California Chrome thrills his many fans at Old Del Mar

California Chrome can make the most grizzled racing fan smile, and he makes the young girls shriek for joy. He did both today at Del Mar. Adding to his Derby winning resume, his Horse of the Year credentials, and his legend, the flashy chestnut took to turf like a fish to water. Cantering down the stretch to the roars of the crowd, California Chrome scored an ultra popular, easier than the final margin suggests, 2-length victory in the Grade 1 Hollywood Derby.

Despite having run brave races in both the Belmont Stakes and Breeders’ Cup Classic, the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner had not visited the winner’s circle since racing’s middle jewel of the Triple Crown. He also had never run on turf on before. Neither can be said any longer. Breaking out of the gate in stride, California Chrome shot right to the lead, and from that moment, the rest of the Hollywood Derby field was in deep trouble.

“I knew he was going to run big right out of the gate,” said riding partner, Victor Espinoza. “He rocketed right out of there.”

The four-time Grade 1 winner, along with Espinoza, was content to let Sawyer’s Hill zoom by him going into the first turn, and took up a comfortable stalking position for the middle furlongs of the nine furlong grass test. The early leader set down a strong half mile in :46.95, but all eyes were on the copper colored star, who sat alone in second, biding his time until it was time to make his move. That move came on the far turn, and despite the rest of the field closing in, California Chrome always looked like a big cat just playing with his mice.

Sure enough, Chrome spurted clear early in the stretch, and the joyous cheering began. Lexie Lou, the star Canadian filly, never gave up, but California Chrome coasted home, while never being asked by his rider. The final time for the nine furlongs on the firm turf was a snappy 1:47.88. As the 7-10 favorite, the people’s horse rewarded his backers with $3.40 for the win.

Lexie Lou finished off a fine performance by checking in a full length clear of Talco for second place money in her second start against the males. She previously won Canada’s most prestigious race, the Queen’s Plate in July.

Owned by Coburn and Martin, and trained by Art Sherman, first time turf proved absolutely no problem for California Chrome, as he raised his lifetime record to 16-9-1-1, while raising his bankroll to better than $4.2 million. This display of versatility should open even more doors for the California-bred star, who is now a stakes winner on all three surfaces.

“I’m happy for the fans … As you can see, he draws a bit of a crowd,” said a happy Sherman, who went on to say that any big race is now possible for his charge next year, after demonstrating so well today that he can handle the turf.

Now a six-time stakes winner this year, including this all-important first in the second half of the year, and a four-time winner in Grade 1 racing, California Chrome would seem to have both the Three-year-old Male Championship, as well as the Horse of the Year title, within his grasp. Main Sequence and Bayern, and their strong credentials, may still have something to say about that, but there is no doubt as to who the fans at Del Mar today think is the Horse of the Year. November 29 was all about California Chrome.