Kentucky Derby update | Chrome to arrive on rainy Monday

What a way to let the Kentucky Derby favorite know he's left his home state.

California Chrome is scheduled to arrive Monday to Churchill Downs with Blue Grass Stakes winner Dance With Fate, while Samraat ships from New York. The Santa Anita Derby winner will do so amid a storm so severe that lightning temporarily closed the track to training at around 6:45 a.m.

"The Chrome," as trainer Bob Baffert refers to his top rival, has been the talk of the backside leading up to Derby 140. While connections discuss their chances on the first Saturday in May, they do so by explaining how they may beat the Art Sherman-trained son of Lucky Pulpit.

California Chrome has won his last four races by a combined 24 1/2 lengths, and he has his home racing community hopeful one of their own can win the Derby.

"There is already talk that Chrome is the Triple Crown savior the sport thinks it needs and has gone without since Affirmed in 1978," wrote the Los Angeles Times' Bill Dwyre. "Part of that is a horse lover's disease known as wishful thinking that becomes contagious each April. Another part is that this regal-looking chestnut really seems to have what it takes. And having what it takes to win three huge races in three states in five weeks is no small feat."

California Chrome's flight left Ontario, Calif., at 5:08 a.m. PT. He could make it to Churchill Downs by 1 p.m.

—With the Churchill Downs track already sloppy from overnight rain, Steve Asmussen's Tapiture went out for a maintenance work Monday morning that turned out anything but routine. The skies opened up as Tapiture readied, then breezed four furlongs in 0:50 with thunder crackling overhead.

Count at least one Derby contender unfazed by much.

—After Tapiture's work, Churchill Downs officials reported a lightning strike on a pole near the far turn. While training was suspended per outrider Greg Blasi's recommendation, the track was re-sealed and opened again around 7:15.

Afterward, the Oaks' Ria Antonia traveled four furlongs in 47.40. Derby contender Hoppertunity, working in company with Drill just as he did last week, went four furlongs in 0:48 on the outside.

A number of others, including recent New York arrivals Wicked Strong and Uncle Sigh, got in regular gallops.

—Essentially all Derby works are in the books now other than a scheduled breeze for trainer Mike Maker's General a Rod on Tuesday morning. Wicked Strong and Uncle Sigh may also put in short works before Saturday's race.

—Jockey Corey Nakatani will ride Empress of Midway, the filly Louisville coach Rick Pitino bought into last week, according to Churchill Downs.

—Now one defection away from making it in the Derby field with Ring Weekend having dropped Sunday, Pablo Del Monte will ship from Lexington to Louisville on Wednesday morning before Churchill Downs draws post positions.

"We'll be over there and ready to go if we get in," said trainer Wesley Ward. "They mandate every Kentucky Derby horse be on the grounds, so we'll be there just in case."

Rontos Racing Stable's Social Inclusion, who will work out Monday at Gulfstream Park in Florida, may stay there, sitting 22nd in current Road to the Derby points.

"We will breeze (Monday) and make a decision (Monday) afternoon," trainer Ronald Sanchez said. "If he is 21 on the list, we would probably ship."

Also-eligibles for the Derby don't have to scratch until Friday morning.

—By the way, don't worry too much about a rainy Oaks and Derby. It'll be a wet week, but there's just a 10 percent chance for precipitation over the weekend with highs in the 60s.

—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.