California Chrome cruised to a 2 1/4-length victory in the $300,000 Awesome Again Stakes at Santa Anita, improving to 6-0 this year as the front-runner for Horse of the Year honors. Ridden by Victor Espinoza, California Chrome ran 1 1/8 miles in 1:48.07.
California Chrome ridden by Victor Espinoza at Kentucky Derby
California Chrome is considered to be the best race horse in the world and his win in the $300,000 Awesome Again Stakes at Santa Anita race track this past Saturday was remarkable only in the ease with which he won it.
© 2016 by Bill Brine
California Chrome proved once again on Saturday what everyone else has known for most of the year. Heâs not only the most popular but also the best race horse in the world. His win in the $300,000 Awesome Again Stakes at Santa Anita race track was remarkable only in the ease with which he won it.
Leaving the first turn, Chrome and runner-up Dortmund had 10 lengths on the small field of five. By the half-mile mark, Chrome eased ahead of his rival and the race was effectively over.
The most deceiving stat of the day was his winning margin of 2 1/4 lengths. Jockey Victor Espinoza essentially stopped riding Chrome hard at the 16th pole and cantered him in the last 70 yards.
âHe just coasted home and (Espinoza) wanted to save him for the Breedersâ Cup,â co-owner Perry Martin said. âItâs just a real nice prep for us. I think it will sharpen him up even more. The best is yet to come.â