Breeders’ Cup 2016: California Chrome set to shine in Classic
Published:Breeders’ Cup Classic 2016 tips: California Chrome odds appeal
California Chrome can cap off what has been a perfect season by getting the better of young pretender Arrogate to land the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita (00:35).
The Art Sherman trained five-year-old has looked better than ever in winning all six starts during a faultless campaign.
His last two successes have come in Grade 1 company, slamming Beholder by five lengths in the Pacific Classic Stakes at Del Mar before impressively beating Dortmund in the Awesome Again Stakes at this venue.
California Chrome made all in the latter, quickening clear when shaken up 1 1/2 furlongs from home to put the race to bed and win with any amount in hand.
High cruising speed and potent turn of foot
The son of Lucky Pulpit cut an impressive and speedy figure, despite being eased down and it was an awesome display which oozed class.
It took California Chrome’s career earnings to $13,432,650 making him the richest horse in North American history.
The 2014 Kentucky Derby winner is simply a joy to watch when in full-flow, and the fact he is unfashionably bred has resulted in him being kept in training to continually delight his ever-growing legion of fans.
California Chrome has a high cruising speed and potent turn of foot when on-song, while 79-year-old Sherman has handled him to perfection and not dodge any challenge.
Arrogate will need to be extra special
This time he has most to fear from the lightly-raced Arrogate, according to Breeders’ Cup Classic 2016 betting.
The Bob Baffert trained three-year-old has won all four of his starts since finishing third on debut and could not have been more impressive in the last of those, when romping to a 13 1/2 length success in the Grade 1 Travers Stakes at Saratoga.
Arrogate clearly has the potential to go right to the very top, but in California Chrome he faces a battle-hardened warrior who has been there, done that and got the T-shirt.
It will take something extra special to stop California Chrome making it a magnificent seven this season, so he looks a worthy red-hot favourite to land the spoils.
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