California Chrome was responsible for another dazzling performance to win Saturday’s $1 million Santa Anita Derby to confirm his standing as a leading contender for the Kentucky Derby on May 3.
California Chrome heads to Louisville as the likely favorite off an impressive four-race winning streak by a combined margin of nearly 25 lengths.
The colt would be a very popular winner at Churchil Downs as he is trained by 77-year-old Art Sherman and would be the first California-bred winner of the Kentucky Derby since Decidedly in 1962.
Veteran horseman Sherman was the exercise rider of the great Swaps, another California-bred who won the Kentucky Derby in 1955.
"He's my Swaps, let's put it that way," Sherman said while declining to make a comparison.
"Right now, he's kind of freaky and I'm enjoying it.
"If all goes well, we'll ship to Kentucky probably a week before the Derby."
Kept under a tight hold by Victor Espinoza as he stalked pacesetter Dublin Up over the 1 1/8-mile, long-striding California Chrome was let loose rounding the final bend and quickly established command en route to a 5 1/4-length victory.
Espinoza had his awe-inspiring mount geared down over the final sixteenth, leaving Rebel Stakes winner Hoppertunity a distant second while Candy Boy, the Robert B. Lewis victor, faded to third.
California Chrome was coming off a 7 1/4-length victory in the San Felipe Stakes and there was strong consideration given to passing the Santa Anita Derby and allowing the colt to train up to the Derby.
"It was awesome. That's all I can say," Sherman said.
"When he won the San Felipe, he was on the lead all the way but I really prefer this type of race where he's right off the lead."
With 100 points for the win, California Chrome jumped to the head of the Kentucky Derby points leaderboard, used to determine the 20-horse field, with 150 points.
There are two major Derby preps l to go this weekend - the G1 Blue Grass and G1 Arkansas Derby.
California Chrome, bred from a mare who cost $8000, boosted his career earnings to $1,134,850 from six wins in 10 starts.
