California Chrome is scintillating in taking TVG Pacific Classic

Published Nov. 15, 2016 1:41 p.m. ET

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Barry Werner

California Chrome took the lead at the start of the $1,000,000 TVG Pacific Classic on Saturday at Del Mar. And the race was over.

Jockey Victor Espinoza kept Chrome off the rail before settling in on a relaxed lead. By floating off the rail, Espinoza showed brilliant race-riding as he took control not only of the race but his foes.

Beholder was second through a quarter in :23.20. Dortmund sat right off the 2015 TVG Pacific Classic champ.

Espinoza and Chrome maintained a comfortable lead and the jockey took a look back for his competition as the field headed into the final turn.

There was none.

California Chrome exploded away from his competition in an absolute waltz, running away from his foes.

"He's kind of push-button," trainer Art Sherman said.

The final time was 2:00 for the 1 1/4 miles, but it was an under wraps California Chrome that took the winner's share.

"I'm super proud," Beholder's jockey Gary Stevens said. "I wasn't gonna go up there and hook the big horse. The race was won in the first sixteenth.

"What a horse, California Chrome, is as good as I've run against in years."

Beholder finished second with Dortmund third. Hoppertunity finished fourth.

"We just got flat outrun today," Beholder's owner B. Wayne Hughes said, "by a really good horse.

"She ran really well. We just got outrun."

California Chrome floated between 7-5 and 8-5 in the early wagering. The 2014 Kentucky Derby winner dropped to 3-5 before finally settling at even-money. He returned $4.20 for a $2 win wager.

"I was just cruising along in front," Espinoza said.

Espinoza was asked who he would choose, 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah or Chrome the 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness champ who he both rode.

"As a 3-year-old I would go with American Pharoah, with an older horse I would go with California Chrome. I've got to go with California Chrome.

Beholder was the 2-1 second choice throughout early betting before moving to co 5-2 second choice with Dortmund, who dropped from 5-1 at one point in the wagering.

There is a million-dollar bonus in the offing for California Chrome, who has earned around $13 million in his career. A victory in the Awesome Again Stakes and Breeders' Cup Classic would notch that six-figure prize for Chrome.

"This was just fantastic," co-owner Perry Martin said."We will look at the Awesome Again. Once he gets in shape we like to keep him running.

"I know this is hard to believe but I think he will get better."

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