California Chrome pleases Sherman with turf work

Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner California Chrome made his first

appearance of the year at Del Mar on Sunday morning, breezing a half-mile on the

turf in :52 under regular jockey Victor Espinoza with trainer Art Sherman

looking on from the second level of the grandstand.

California Chrome is nominated to both the $300,000 Hollywood Derby on grass and

the $200,000 Native Diver on Polytrack on Saturday at Del Mar.

Sunday's workout, the first for California Chrome on turf, was to determine his

affinity for the surface and help in the stakes decision.

"I was satisfied with the work," Sherman said later at a press conference.

"Victor said (California Chrome) didn't know if he was going to work or gallop

because he'd never been on the grass before. But Victor said he felt smooth

underneath him and that was my main concern."

Sherman added that a final decision regarding which race would likely come on

Wednesday when entries are taken, but indicated that his stable star would

likely point for the Hollywood Derby.

"I'm looking forward to that race right now," the trainer said of the

anticipated turf debut.

If California Chrome runs next Saturday, he will be the seventh Kentucky Derby

winner to race at Del Mar after winning the Run for the Roses in the 75-year

history of the track.

With an estimated crowd of 500 watching, California Chrome was given the

opportunity for a solo run over the Jimmy Durante Turf Course. He entered the

turf from a gate just past the finish line, his chestnut coat glistening in the

early morning sun.