American trainer Art Sherman says California Chrome is five lengths better than last year when he ran second in the World Cup.
Sherman watched the 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner go through his paces on the main track at Meydan early on Tuesday morning.
“He’s a lot stronger horse now,” Sherman said.
“I think he’s five lengths better. You’re just going to see a different Chrome this time.”
California Chrome, who was runner-up to surprise winner Prince Bishop in this race 12 months ago, enjoyed a smooth prep run in a handicap at Meydan a month ago.
His main market rival on Saturday is fellow American challenger Frosted and he pleased connections with his gallop.
Frosted had the misfortune to be a contemporary of American Pharoah, being beaten three times by the Triple Crown winner in 2015.
But he showed he was a classy performer when he won round two of the Al Maktoum Challenge by five lengths on the Meydan track last month.
“He’s really come into his own,” Neal McLaughlin, assistant to his brother Kiaran, said.
“It helps that American Pharoah isn’t here. We always say we had the right horse in the wrong year.
“The prep couldn’t have gone any better. With seven weeks since his last start, he’s fresh, happy and ready to run. We are full of confidence.”
