The disappointment of missing Royal Ascot could turn out to be the secret of California Chrome’s success come World Cup night.
That is the view of Alan Sherman, assistant and son of trainer Art, ahead of Saturday’s running of the world’s richest race.
Nothing really went right for Chrome at last year’s World Cup.
Sherman’s charge ended up covering more ground than any of his eight rivals but was running on empty when Prince Bishop threw down a late challenge to snatch first place.
Then injured when being prepared for Royal Ascot and almost retired at one stage, Chrome has returned this year with victory at Santa Anita, in the Group 2 San Pasqual Stakes, and then a handicap at Meydan. His Meydan win was over the same 2,000m course and distance as Saturday’s race and, interestingly, was the equivalent race won by Curlin in 2008 on his way to World Cup success.
This year’s California Chrome, even to the untrained eye, is a far bigger and stronger specimen than the one frustrated last year.
And Sherman said: “Missing Royal Ascot and having that long break has probably turned out to be a real blessing. You just need to look at him to see he has really blossomed with time.
“Everything has gone to plan with him and we wanted to come to Dubai early this time and get a race into him at Meydan. As we have always maintained, we really think, after a long break, a horse will be at his peak for his third start back and that is what Saturday will be.
“He worked on Saturday and did a good piece over 1,000m in just under 52 and a half second. It was a great workout and he should be spot on come Saturday.
“Basically, we are all excited and cannot wait for Saturday.”
California Chrome, who looks likely to start favourite, is being prepared at Meydan whereas the second favourite Frosted is “out in the desert” at Charlie Appleby’s Al Marmoon Stables.
Top @DWC_Meydan contender California Chrome visits the main track this morning. pic.twitter.com/6Cfc9qVlYk
— Joe Kristufek (@JoeyDaKRacing) March 22, 2016
Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin said: “We have a great facility here at Al Marmoon and it is perfect for us. It is so peaceful and the horses are just totally relaxed and thriving.
“I do not think we have ever had him (Frosted) in better shape and he has been working superbly, posting great times. He did his last serious piece last week and that will have put him spot on for Saturday.
“Hopefully we get a nice low draw which can only be an advantage. It looks a good race but I would not swap him.”
Meanwhile, the Dale Romans-trained Keen Ice was one of many horses who failed to deliver on Super Saturday on a card and dirt surface, seemingly, strongly biased to the horses contesting the early speed.
The only horse to beat Triple Crown hero, American Pharoah, last year when winning the Travers Stakes, he must improve on his Meydan debut.
