HERE COME THE CHROMIES!
CALIFORNIA CHROME, the 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner, faces the ‘toughest race of his life’ in Wednesday’s Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot.
A record 20 overseas challengers will line up at next week’s royal meeting. They include Hong Kong’s Able Friend in Tuesday’s Queen Anne Stakes and Australia’s Brazen Beau in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes on Saturday.
Both have more chance than California Chrome. But this chestnut colt, with his colourful entourage and global army of fans known as ‘Chromies’, will attract most attention. To America, California Chrome is a bluecollar hero. His dam Love The Chase cost only $8,000 and his sire Lucky Pulpit $2,000. He has now won almost £4million for owners Steve Coburn and Perry Martin.
Based at Rae Guest’s Newmarket stable since finishing second to Prince Bishop in the Dubai World Cup in March, a tilt at Royal Ascot has been driven by Martin, with Coburn and trainer Art Sherman not so enthusiastic.
But the outspoken Coburn, in his Stetson and cowboy boots in Newmarket yesterday as jockey William Buick put California Chrome through his paces (right), will be one of the most interviewed men of the week. Coburn said: ‘This will be toughest race of California Chrome’s life. It is totally different to what we are used to in the States. The course is new, running up and downhill is new. It will be tough but he gives 100 per cent of his heart every time.
‘This horse has been lifechanging for us. How many people have bred horses and never had a horse like this?
‘We got damn lucky. He has fans from all over the world. I understand the Queen is a ‘Chromie’! If I get to meet her, I will be very courteous.
‘When we got home from the Kentucky Derby, we had letters f r om places like Trinidad and South Africa, some of them just addressed to California Chrome, Nevada, USA. But they found their way to our house. I am looking forward to seeing the majesty of Royal Ascot.
‘I was fitted for my top hat and tails yesterday, and shoes. I have not worn shoes since I was in the army, I have been in boots all my life.’
Rivals for California Chrome, 10-1 with Coral, are headed by Free Eagle and The Grey Gatsby plus Criterion from Australia and Spielberg from Japan.
BEST OF THE OVERSEAS CHALLENGE
ABLE FRIEND (Queen Anne Stakes, Tuesday). Rated joint best horse in the world but the gelding, trained by John Moore, must find his Hong Kong form.
HOOTENANNY (Commonwealth Cup, Friday). 2014 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf and Windsor Castle Stakes winner spearheads a 10-strong team from US trainer Wesley Ward.
BRAZEN BEAU ( Diamond Jubilee Stakes, Saturday). Chris Waller-trained colt is one of Australia’s best sprinters.