California Chrome headed to Pimlico for Preakness Stakes

Baltimore, MD (SportsNetwork.com) – Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome will make his way to Pimlico Race Course for the 139th Preakness Stakes on the Monday before the running of the middle jewel of racing’s Triple Crown.

“He came out of the race and looks really good,” trainer Art Sherman said. “Two weeks, I’ve never run him back that quick. I’m not that kind of guy. I thought even a month after the Santa Anita Derby to the Kentucky Derby was kind of quick. but he seems to respond and come back.”

The 3-year-old colt, owned by Steven Coburn and Perry Martin, won the 140th Run for the Roses last Saturday by 1 3/4 lengths to become eligible for the first Triple Crown sweep in 36 years.

California Chrome, the first California-bred to win the Derby in 52 years, will remain at Churchill Downs until he leaves for Pimlico on May 12.

“Five days at Pimlico would be perfect for me,” Sherman said. “That way I wouldn’t have to do much with him. Just school him, stand him in the gate and let him get familiarized with the surroundings.”

Kentucky Derby runner-up Commanding Curve and seventh-place finisher Ride on Curlin are the only confirmed 3-year-olds for the Preakness out of Saturday’s race. Other probable starters are Pablo Del Monte, Federico Tesio winner Kid Cruz, Illinois Derby winner Dynamic Impact, Derby Trial runner-up Bayern and Social Inclusion, third in the Wood Memorial.

Categorized in: Horses