California clock-watchers were left purring after Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome completed his serious preparations for the Breeders' Cup Classic with a sparkling workout under big-race jockey Victor Espinoza.
With unbeaten Shared Belief also lying in wait at Santa Anita, British contender Toast Of New York looks set to face the toughest of assignments in North America's richest race.
California Chrome disappointed last time when only sixth in the Pennsylvania Derby after a summer break, but on Saturday he posted a speedy 59.60sec in a five-furlong spin at his Los Alamitos headquarters.
"Unbelievable" is how Alan Sherman, son of trainer Art Sherman, summed it up. "He's ready to roll. We're really happy with him. The Classic should be a great race."
Los Alamitos head clocker Russ Hudak echoed his sentiments on the workout. "I would agree with him," Hudak said. "California Chrome has really moved forward. This was a step up, the best he's done since coming back from Philadelphia."
Art Sherman suggests California Chrome is back in the sort of shape that enabled him to put together a six-race winning streak earlier this year culminating in the first two legs of the Triple Crown.
"He's training like his old self, like he trained even before the Santa Anita Derby," Sherman said, speaking to the Daily Racing Form. "I'm really pumped up. I just know that you haven't seen the real California Chrome run again since he was on that winning streak."
Classic favourite Shared Belief, who missed the Triple Crown through injury, continues to please trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. "It's been a long journey but we're right on our schedule, so we'll just see if we can follow through," the Hall of Fame trainer said.
Belmont Stakes winner Tonalist also runs in the Classic, which betting suggests will be dominated by three-year-olds. He worked five furlongs at Belmont Park in 1min 1.75sec for trainer Christophe Clement.
Jamie Osborne, trainer of 14-1 shot Toast Of New York, tweeted on Sunday: "I am delighted to report that Toast and Prize Exhibit [Juvenile Fillies Turf] both travelled well and are now safely stabled at Santa Anita."
After the defection of Wise Man and Beholder, the Breeders' Cup has lost another prime US contender with the retirement of Midnight Lucky, ante-post favourite for the Filly & Mare Sprint. The filly, sidelined since May with a "a few minor issues", did not please trainer Bob Baffert in a workout.
Dual Breeders' Cup winner Beholder, absent after running a high temperature last week, has been removed from next month's Fasig-Tipton Kentucky sale and will instead be returned to training with Richard Mandella.
