California Chrome is a deserving favorite and clearly the one to beat in Saturday’s $10 million Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse in the United Arab Emirates.
In what has shaped up as a contentious affair—which should be expected for the richest Thoroughbred race in the world—California Chrome, 2014’s Horse of the Year and winner of that year’s Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, is coming up to the 21st running of the World Cup a bigger, stronger, more mature racehorse than when he finished second to Prince Bishop in last year’s World Cup.
Despite the lofty credentials of many in the deep field of 12 set to parade to the post Saturday, California Chrome warrants top billing over his globetrotting adversaries. Now a 5-year-old, the multiple graded stakes-winning fan favorite has improved with age. Racing for the partnership of Perry Martin and Taylor Made Farm, California Chrome is perfect in two starts this year, including a win over the track at Meydan.
Sent off as a prohibitive favorite in his Feb. 25th prep race, California Chrome cantered home an easy winner over a field of outclassed rivals without ever being seriously asked for his best by jockey Victor Espinoza. The easy tune-up seemingly left plenty in the tank for his upcoming World Cup tilt. California Chrome bounced out of that win with plenty of vigor and has continued to train forwardly in preparation for his second crack at Meydan’s marquee race.
California Chrome lacked a local outing before last year’s World Cup; having had the benefit of additional time to acclimate to the surroundings and settle in before this year’s race instead of shipping in on top of the big day should pay dividends on Saturday.
Poised to become racing’s all-time leading North American earner with a World Cup victory, California Chrome, with any racing luck, will make a history-making run into racing’s record books. His sternest competition figures to come from fellow U.S.-based rivals Frosted, who like California Chrome, had a flawless prep over the track, Mshawish, and Hoppertunity, as well as last year’s UAE Derby winner Mubtaahij.
California Chrome’s human connections—trainer Art Sherman, his son and assistant trainer Alan, and the ownership group—are rightfully confident about their charge’s chances as he gets set to face some of the world’s best horses. If California Chrome runs to his looks on Saturday, the flashy chestnut is likely to justify that confidence and forever cement his name in history.
