Preakness 2014: California Chrome ‘in perfect shape’
Despite reportedly dealing with an illness, there are no concerns for California Chrome headed into the Preakness Stakes.
Any concerns Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome might not run in the Preakness due to a blister on his throat are no more, according to assistant trainer Alan Sherman.
“California Chrome is fine,” Sherman said, via ESPN. “His throat is fine. He got a little tickle, but he’s not going to be scratched. I don’t know why it was blown out of proportion. The horse is in perfect shape.”
California Chrome appeared to be in top form at the Kentucky Derby, blowing by the field to win by a comfortable margin. He opened as the massive favorite at the Preakness, with 3/5 morning line odds. He made it through the Derby without issue and appeared set for the Preakness before reports of an illness. Something even as small as a throat blister could have derailed his potential path to the Triple Crown, but according to Sherman, that won’t be the case. Sherman said the bluster has been treated with a glycerine wash and it hasn’t impacted California Chrome’s appetite, noting he “ate up everything” Friday morning.
The throat blister won’t derail California Chrome and it appears not even poor weather can slow down the Derby winner. Heavy rain made for sloppy conditions at Pimlico on Friday. Those conditions, however, didn’t bother California Chrome.
“I was impressed,” Sherman said. “He was wearing four bandages, and he didn’t have mud on any of them. He handled the track.”
