The long-awaited return of The 2014 Horse of the Year California Chrome is set to resume this weekend but faces the prospect of racing on a wet track for the first time in his career.

The 5YO is set to race for the first time for the new ownership partnership of co-breeder Perry Martin and Taylor Made Farm in the G2 San Pasqual Stakes at Santa Anita Park on Saturday.

It will be is first race since a second in the G1 Dubai World Cup at Meydan last March but with rain in the forecast is likely to be racing on wet footing for the first time in his career.

Racing on a muddy track wouldn't be ideal for California Chrome, but there is confidence that he can handle an off track considering he's won on every other type of surface he's tried in his career from fast dirt to synthetic and turf.

"It doesn't complicate anything," trainer Art Sherman said.

"We just want to make sure it's a safe racetrack, and I'm sure it's going to be OK.

“He's never run in mud, but he's training in mud. He's been galloping on the Santa Anita training track and he seems to go through it fine."

Just getting California Chrome to a race, a process that began when the dual-classic winner returned to Los Alamitos in October after spending time on the sidelines due to bone brusing, has been rewarding for the Sherman team.

"I'm glad it's getting there," Sherman said. "The horse is training excellent.

“I'm sure he'll give a good account of himself.”

California Chrome faces seven rivals including G1 winners Hoppertunity and Hard Aces.

The Bob Baffert-trained Hoppertunity hasn't finished worse than fourth in eight starts since he won last year's San Pasqual including seconds in his last three starts in the G1 Awesome Again, G2 Fayette Stakes and G1 Clark Handicap.

Hard Aces took the G1 Gold Cup at Santa Anita over the summer and has finished sixth in three G1 starts grade since, including the Breeders' Cup Classic last time out.

Hoppertunity and Hard Aces, along with stakes winner Point Piper and graded stakes-placed Mystery Train, also have experience and victories on wet tracks.