Trainer Art Sherman indicated Wednesday morning that he is considering two possibilities at Del Mar for an additional race for California Chrome – the Hollywood Derby on grass and the Native Diver Handicap on Polytrack. Both races are at a mile and one eighth and both on Saturday, November 29.

 

The Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner, who most recently finished third in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, is slated to work on the Jimmy Durante Turf Course at Del Mar on Sunday, November 23, Sherman indicated. A decision on a start for the horse could be made following the drill.

 

California Chrome, a son of Lucky Pulpit bred by his owners – Perry Martin and Steve Coburn, has never run on grass. He is a winner of eight of 15 starts and over $4 million. He ran twice on Polytrack at Del Mar as a 2-year-old in 2013, winning the Graduation Stakes for California-breds, then running sixth in the Grade I Del Mar Futurity.

 

Nominations for both the Hollywood Derby, which is limited to 3-year-olds, and the Native Diver, which is for 3-year-olds and up, close tomorrow at midnight.

 

“Del Mar would be delighted to have a horse like California Chrome add special spice to our Thanksgiving weekend,” Del Mar president and CEO Joe Harper said. “It’s exciting to think about him running here, especially with the possibility of national honors being part of the mix.”

 

California Chrome is one of the leading candidates for 2014 3-year-old champion and Horse of the Year.