In what will probably be his final start of 2014, California Chrome justified his 7-10 odds by cruising home an easy winner in the Hollywood Derby (USA-G1). Excepting the Queen's Plate winner Lexie Lou, who put in a valiant effort to be a clear second best, the field he defeated was not much to write home about. Nonetheless, Chrome's connections have to be excited about the ease with which the colt glided over the course. The fact that he finished up in a healthy 36.40 for his final three-eighths -- 12.17 for the final furlong -- and clearly could have gone faster if asked is icing on the cake.
Whether or not this race lands Chrome an Eclipse Award, it looks as though this gamble was one well worth taking. Not only does this victory open up racing options next year, but it also makes Chrome a more attractive stallion prospect, particularly to foreign interests in countries where turf racing is the norm. Even if he does not leave the country -- and Perry Martin and Steve Coburn certainly haven't shown any eagerness to sell -- the versatility he has shown will probably make his future foals more attractive to foreign buyers at the sales.
As for Lexie Lou, her connections deserve nothing but credit for their willingness to tackle one of the best 3-year-old males in the States. Even though she was second, her performance puts an extra shine on a 2014 record that looks like a cinch for giving her a Sovereign Award as best 3-year-old filly and should have her in the running for Canadian Horse of the Year.
Whether or not this race lands Chrome an Eclipse Award, it looks as though this gamble was one well worth taking. Not only does this victory open up racing options next year, but it also makes Chrome a more attractive stallion prospect, particularly to foreign interests in countries where turf racing is the norm. Even if he does not leave the country -- and Perry Martin and Steve Coburn certainly haven't shown any eagerness to sell -- the versatility he has shown will probably make his future foals more attractive to foreign buyers at the sales.
As for Lexie Lou, her connections deserve nothing but credit for their willingness to tackle one of the best 3-year-old males in the States. Even though she was second, her performance puts an extra shine on a 2014 record that looks like a cinch for giving her a Sovereign Award as best 3-year-old filly and should have her in the running for Canadian Horse of the Year.
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