Chrome's domination was so absolute that it made his trip look easier than it was. Although he never had to check his stride for an instant, he was wide throughout on a deep track that tends to sap stamina, giving away lengths to most of his rivals. Yet when Victor Espinoza called on him, the horse responded with a surge that sent his saddle slipping backwards, forcing his veteran jockey to concentrate as much on staying aboard as on encouraging his mount during the last 300 yards. It didn't matter. Chrome was in control in a matter of strides, and he kept to business down the stretch, easing up only in the shadow of the wire with the race well in hand.
California Chrome will now get some R&R at Taylor Made Farm before returning to Art Sherman's barn, but he has served notice that any other horse targeting this fall's Breeders' Cup Classic (USA-G1) will have a huge obstacle in its path. For in California, all that glitters is not gold---it's Chrome.