Catching up with Art Sherman and California Chrome

I had the pleasure of catching up with the gracious Art Sherman this afternoon, and the affable trainer was more than happy to chat about the star of the stable, California Chrome.

First off, California Chrome is doing very well since his return to the Sherman stable. He began working out again in Mid-November, and has been steadily increasing the distance of his works. “Every Saturday,” said Sherman. “He’s looking pretty good right now. He’ll go six furlongs on Saturday, and we’ll have him gallop out seven-eighths.” This will be his sixth and longest workout since his return, having done five furlongs at Los Alamitos the past two Saturdays, including a strong 1:00.60 on December 12.

When asked about immediate plans, Sherman told me he has California Chrome’s next three races mapped out. “First the San Pasqual [on January 9] and then we’ll ship him to Dubai at the end of the month,” answered Sherman. “He’ll get one prep race over there [at Meydan], and then we’ll go for the $10 million.” While a trip to Dubai, and another run at the world’s richest race, is on the agenda, Sherman does want to keep Chrome closer to home for most of 2016.

While nothing is set in stone, Sherman believes the 2014 Horse of the Year will likely be a California horse again after his second attempt in the Dubai World Cup. “The Breeders’ Cup [Classic] is back at home this year, so that’s where we will end up,” said Sherman. “Hard to say what we’ll do in between, but the Pacific Classic would be good. We want to keep him close to home this year.”

When I asked the veteran trainer if he thought he would have the opportunity to train the horse who has not run since finishing second in last March’s World Cup one more year, Sherman was quick to say no. “I didn’t think I would have him this year. I figured they’d probably breed him. It’s sure nice to have him, though. The sport needs some heroes. Maybe he can be one.” Only special horses can become a hero, and the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner qualifies.

I was a little surprised when Sherman told me when he first knew California Chrome was a special horse. “It was probably the Santa Anita Derby,” said Sherman. “He won it so easy. There were a lot of really nice horses in there." "Then he went to Kentucky, and what he did in the Derby. That was it.”

Sherman went on to explain what makes Chrome the champion he is, “He has a lot of talent, but he really just wants to beat you. [California Chrome has] determination to try to outrun another horse. That’s what the good ones have.”

“He knows he’s something special,” added Sherman of the horse who he admits is spoiled, and always nickers for a cookie. “He has a double stall here -- It’s like a suite.”

Sherman also believes California Chrome’s time at Taylor Made Farm did him a world of good. “He came back good. He needed to put on some weight, and he did. Like 140 pounds,” Sherman added with a chuckle.

I think all racing fans will echo Sherman’s closing remark about the horse who has won 9-of-18 lifetime, and better than $6.3 million. “We just want to keep him sound and happy -- If we can do that, it should be a fun year.”