The most interesting thing on the race track (and in my mind) was the workout of California Chrome in the midday at Los Alamitos. I was listening to D Shrup on TVG and he commented that the majority of the Press (and other people who like to handicap) had Shared Belief at the top of the list for 3 year olds. Then they posted CC’s lifetime record of 13 starts — 8 wins and some other stuff. It dawns on me that 2 of the winds for CC were the Kentucky Derby at 1 1/4 mile under 126lbs and then 2 weeks later at Pimlico in the Preakness at 1 3/16th mile — again tacking 126lbs… This all occurred after his tour d’force int eh San Felipe and The Santa Anita Handicap. During this group of races, CC has taken on Tonalist, Wicked Strong, Dance With Fate, (the great miler from Ed Azpurua – his name escapes me at the moment) adn the nice Curlin horse that tried CC in the Preakness.
Comparing that Shared Belief been very carefully managed with only 6well spaced races to date. Interestingly, he has been taking 120,118,121,116, 122 and then 118 .– with 5 races occurring on Synthetic and only the LRC on a dirt track.
My point is simple, with CC there is no easy path, it’s always under the toughest conditions… Now CC has had a little time to refresh and grow up… I wouldn’t want to be Shared Belief taking on Califronai Chrome next time he races… I am simply looking forward to getting the money that is bet on Shared Belief when he finally meets California Chrome…
California Chrome is the KING — let’s see if anyone can take it away.