ARCADIA — Trainer Art Sherman believes Horse of the Year is on the line in Saturday’s $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic from Santa Anita.
With reigning two-time Horse of the Year Wise Dan sidelined with an injury, a win in Saturday’s richest race in North America would likely get the attention of most voters.
“I think whoever wins this race should get Horse of the Year,” said Sherman, who trains Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner California Chrome. “That’s my personal opinion, of course. I don’t do the voting. I think that would be the icing on the cake.”
Sherman had to sweat out the draw on Monday afternoon, but he finally got what he wanted — an outside post for California Chrome.
“There were a couple of inside (post positions) left,” Sherman said. “I was happy with 13.”
Throughout the Triple Crown and in his return in the Pennsylvania Derby, California Chrome drew inside posts, forcing the colt to move early in the Pennsylvania Derby, losing all chance when trapped down on the rail, finishing sixth.
“I’m looking for him to have a clean break, be on the outside, show some speed and get a chance to look in,” Sherman said. “Usually he has to look out and see who is coming in, but we’re going to be in that position now.”
California Chrome was made the 4-1 second-choice in the wagering behind the undefeated Shared Belief, who has won all seven of his starts and was installed as the 9-5 favorite.
Shared Belief, who is owned by sports talk show host Jim Rome, has never raced outside of California and missed the Triple Crown with a leg injury, but has never lost a start, winning on both the dirt and synthetic surfaces.
“He’s been great on everything,” said jockey Mike Smith, who will try to win the Classic for the fourth time in his Hall of Fame career. “I don’t think you’ve seen the best of him yet, I really don’t.”
