Kentucky Derby update | Chrome on track at Churchill

Art Sherman has said on many occasions since his colt won the Santa Anita Derby that he feels not like a horse trainer but rather a manager for "rock star" California Chrome.

The prohibitive Kentucky Derby favorite took to the track Tuesday morning for the first time at Churchill Downs, though quite anonymously.

California Chrome galloped just past 6:50 a.m., long before most Derby and Kentucky Oaks contenders get their training in at 8:30 a.m., and did so without his neon yellow saddle towel. That, according to Churchill Downs, is getting fixed as soon as possible after it was discovered Monday the track spelled it "Califorina" Chrome.

A large crowd gathered after the jog to see California Chrome get his morning bath while Sherman watched, likely wondering how his client's next act will go.

—Peter Eurton-trained Dance With Fate arrived to Louisville on the same equine flight as California Chrome. Later Monday, Samraat was delivered from New York.

Now, all Derby contenders are at Churchill Downs, with top also-eligible Pablo Del Monte set to arrive Wednesday. Social Inclusion, 22nd in Road to the Derby points, remains in Florida after a half-mile work Monday, while 23rd-place Big Bazinga is at Churchill with a start on the turf possible if not for a Derby entry.

—Most every timed work is in the books now that trainer Mike Maker's General a Rod went four furlongs in 49.40. After the half, the Roman Ruler colt, sold this week to syndicates Starlight Racing and Skychai Racing (with numerous Louisville connections), galloped out five furlongs in 1:03.80.

—Churchill Downs will draw a less-than-full Kentucky Oaks field at 11 a.m. Tuesday. Follow reporter Steve Jones (@SteveJones_CJ), who's covering Friday's featured race, for the post positions. The race will include trainer Tom Proctor's Please Explain, which hasn't hit the board in her last two races at Oaklawn Park but won Tampa Bay Downs' Suncoast Stakes in February/

—See more Derby updates from The Courier-Journal today at courier-journal.com/sports/horses.

Jonathan Lintner can be reached at (502) 582-4199; follow him on Twitter @JonathanLintner.