California Chrome has been given a good look at the saddling enclosure before a track gallop at Belmont ahead of his bid for the final leg of the Triple Crown.
The chestnut colt walked around the paddock on Thursday (Friday AEST) before standing in a stall for five minutes so he can become familiar with the spot where he will be saddled for the Belmont Stakes on June 7.
He then galloped his usual two miles (3200m) partnered by work rider Willie Delgado.
“He pretty much goes at his own pace,” assistant trainer Alan Sherman said.
“Like, you see him the first time around, he’s real easy, and then he hits the half-mile pole and starts to pull on Willie pretty good.
“Today he was pulling on him a little more than usual.”
Delgado said California Chrome, who has been at Belmont since last week, was energised by the cooler weather in new York.
“When he pulled up, he wasn’t breathing hard enough to blow out a match,” he said.
“Fitness-wise, he’s fine. He’s gained weight and he’s sharper than he was before the Derby.
“He didn’t like the track at Churchill, but he liked Pimlico and he loves this one.”
Sherman said the colt would visit the starting gate on Friday and complete his only timed work-out under race jockey Victor Espinoza on Saturday, a week before his attempt to add the Belmont to his Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes wins.
California Chrome is likely to face nine challengers in the Belmont Stakes on June 7 with the possibility of 10.
Those expected to challenge him are Kentucky Derby runner-up Commanding Curve, Commissioner, Matterhorn, Matuszak, Medal Count, Ride On Curlin, Samraat, Tonalist and Wicked Strong.
Kid Cruz is listed as a possible entry.
