Decked out in his fresh new "Chrome" jacket in the paddock area just before the fourth race at Santa Anita Park Jan. 24, Art Sherman gave a glowing report on California Chrome 's condition since landing in Dubai.
In communication with his son and assistant trainer Alan Sherman, the elder Sherman said Sunday that his prized pupil came out of the across-the-globe trip—which began Jan. 21, when he left his home base at Los Alamitos Race Course—in good order.
BALAN: California Chrome Departs for Dubai
"(Alan) said he was bouncing and feeling good," Art Sherman said. "His appetite is good. With him, he adapts pretty good. It's very rare that you have one that can ship that far and recover that quick."
After a day of walking, the 2014 Horse of the Year will take to the track Jan. 25 in his first on-track preparation for an expected two races in the United Arab Emirates—including the $10 million Dubai World Cup (UAE-I).
Last year, the son of Lucky Pulpit finished second to Prince Bishop in the world's richest race. In his first start since to 2015 edition of the World Cup, he returned to his winning ways with a score in the San Pasqual Stakes (gr. II) Jan. 9 at Santa Anita.
BALAN: California Chrome Powerful in Winning Return