Arcadia, CA
Local fan favorite California Chrome returned in dominate fashion to take the San Pasqual Stakes at Santa Anita.
Making his 5-year-old debut the 2014 Horse of the Year cruised back into the winner's circle in his first race since March.
California Chrome sparked the crowd and was really never threatened en-route to a 1 1/4 length victory in the Grade II $200K stakes.
Jockey Victor Espinoza did not get after the favorite in this tune-up win and ran the 1 1/16 mile race in a measured final time of 1:43.
California Chrome returned $3.20 to win, finishing in front of a competitive Imperative who finished a trying second with Hoppertunity another length back in third.
Chrome is expected to take another try at the World Cup and be shipped back to Dubai for his next start. Where a $10 million purse is on the line, as the connections look to make California Chrome America's highest-earning horse ever.
Minority share ownership did change hands from that March start to the Kentucky-based Taylor Made Farm, where California Chrome will stand at stud after his racing career, from the outspoken Steve Coburn.
Trainer Art Sherman was happy with the effort and Espinoza said he was proud of the way the champion returned.