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California Chrome cut for World Cup after warm-up win

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California Chrome (Victor Espinoza) wins

California Chrome cruises to victory at Meydan

  PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)  

 By Andrew Dietz 6:02PM 25 FEB 2016 

CALIFORNIA CHROME hardened as favourite for the $10 million Dubai World Cup after polishing off his preparations with a smooth victory in a 1m2f dirt handicap at Meydan on Thursday.

Second in the world’s richest race last year, the 2014 Kentucky Derby will aim to replicate the achievement of Curlin, who used this race as a stepping stone to World Cup glory eight years ago.

Even against inferior opposition, the bookmakers were suitably impressed by the manner of the performance with Betfred cutting California Chrome’s odds to 5-2 (from 7-2) for the March 26 extravaganza.

Paddy Power went even shorter at 2-1 (from 11-4), although 3-1 was still available with Ladbrokes and Coral. Fellow US star Frosted, trained for Godolphin by Kiaran McLaughlin, is general second favourite at 4-1.

Settled in third as Success Story and Hunting Ground set the pace, California Chrome soon found his rhythm as jockey Victor Espinoza decided against jostling for the lead.

He tracked the front two three deep turning in and was soon in front as his rivals began to tire. It was then a case of how far but mindful of next month’s big date, Espinoza just kept California Chrome up to the task as the staying-on Storm Belt took second.

“I didn’t want to overdo it as there’s a short period of time to the next race but it was as easy as it looked,” the rider said.

“When he feels good he comes out of the gate like a rocket and he went nice and comfortable there.”

Winning trainer Art Sherman added: “I feel really satisfied for the $10 million race as he’s got a mile and a quarter under his belt. He’s going to be double-tough and it will be a great race with so many fantastic horses.”

Earlier on the card, Safety Check booked a trip to Hong Kong for the Group 1 Champions Mile at Sha Tin on May 1 after notching back-to-back wins in the Group 2 Zabeel Mile.

 

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