California Chrome, graces the Los Alamitos Race Track, in his final run in California.  It’s fantastic that Los Alamitos figured out a way to get this staged and willing to foot the bill… Bravo!  CC is a truly magnificent horse and won who has made so many great runs… as to be nearly a great horse. 

His first major effort was to try to win the Triple Crown, which he came within two lengths of doing after a difficult trip.  He was all heart as he probably was going a furlong or two more than ideal.  It’s the same thing that has taken down many others… but he also grabbed a quarter which had to hold him back from the elusive title of Triple Crown Winner… but winning the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness in stylish fashion was certainly a great start… Then his effort in the Breeders’ Cup in which he was racing against the bias of the track the entire way, only to be beaten a couple of heads by a good Bayern, made him the distinct 3 year old champion…

Two great trips to Dubai… and effort or two on the grass and then this fabulous year that culminated in the stirring Breeders Cup Classic with the boon colt Arrogate.  In what was one of the great races of the last 30 years and a bit reminiscent of Affirmed and Spectacular Bid.  But with Affirmed, the older horse, he was able to hold Spectacular Bid in his proper place.    In this, we will have to elevate Arrogate… but in no way, diminish California Chrome.  He’s one of the best older handicap horses we have had in racing for many, many years… and I truly hope he follows up tomorrow’s run at Los Al with another Unforgettable race at Gulfstream Park in the new Pegasus Invitational…

Full updates will be done by weeks end…  note the bias at Los Alamitos remains to favoring inside runners…