California Chrome ‘super nice’ in final Dubai World Cup work

One week ahead of his test in the $10 million Dubai World Cup (G1), fan favorite California Chrome turned in his final serious piece of work at Meydan Saturday morning.

The 2014 Horse of the Year sped a “super nice five-eighths,” according to regular exercise rider Dihigi Gladney.

Michele MacDonald (@full_stride) reported via Twitter that California Chrome clocked :59 2/5, and co-owner Taylor Made Stallions (@TMStallions) tweeted that he exited the move “in great shape.”

It’s all systems go for California Chrome, who prepped with a facile victory in a February 25 handicap over the World Cup track and trip. Runner-up in last year’s World Cup, the 5-year-old is giving every indication of performing at least as well on March 26.

Training Team Sherman has long said that California Chrome is stronger than ever since returning from his R&R at Taylor Made. Victorious off a nine-month layoff in the January 9 San Pasqual (G2) at Santa Anita, the flashy California-bred is now two-for-two this campaign.

In other World Cup notes:

Keen Ice was spotted wearing blinkers during his Saturday morning work at Meydan – a nugget reported by Stephen Molyneux (@Smolyneux79).

Alan Sherman of Team Chrome told HRRN that Keen Ice worked “fantastic.”

Trained by Dale Romans, Keen Ice was a disappointing seventh in the Maktoum Challenge Round 3 (G1) on Super Saturday, and he needs something to light the spark. Might an equipment change be the key?

Frosted completed his preparations with a five-furlong move Wednesday at Sheikh Mohammed’s Marmoom training facility, Godolphin revealed on Twitter. Although no time was given, Daily Racing Form’s Marcus Hersh learned that he recorded 1:01 3/5.

Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin has been delighted with Frosted’s build-up to the World Cup. A track record-setting romper in the February 4 Maktoum Challenge Round 2 (G2) at Meydan, the son of Tapit has continued to train sharply in the interim.

Mshawish has settled into Dubai quite well, as he’s “licking the feed tub,” according to Al Shaqab’s US advisor Bradley Weisbord (@bradweisbord). 

The Twitterati likewise report that Hoppertunity is making a good appearance out and about at Meydan.

In case you didn’t see the update to my Thursday piece on the likely fields, there’s been one defection from the World Cup: the Roger Varian-trained Intilaaq, who’s now switching to the Dubai Turf (G1). Tempted to believe that Solow’s sudden absence from the Dubai Turf was the decisive factor.

California Chrome photo courtesy of Taylor Made Sales via Twitter.