DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) California Chrome proved in emphatic fashion he was back at his best when he won the Dubai World Cup by five lengths on Saturday.
Second on his debut last year in the richest horse race in the world, the Art Sherman-trained Chrome went one better under jockey Victor Espinoza, despite the saddle slipping way down his back near the end.
By then, the five-year-old U.S. stallion was way out front, having come round wide on the final turn and accelerating with 400 meters to go in the 2,000-meter race on dirt.
Chrome, the heavy favorite for the second straight year, started from an unfavorable Stall 11 but was quickly in stride and even though he ran wide the whole time, placed himself next to Msawish, who took the early lead under Frankie Dettori.
The Mike de Kock-trained Mubtaahij of Ireland was second, followed by Hopportunity of the U.S.
California Chrome was the 2014 American horse of the year for winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, but didn't race for 10 months last year because of a bruised bone. He began his comeback at Santa Anita in January, when he also arrived in the Emirates to acclimate. This was his third straight win, worth $10 million.
