What a change in the perception and accomplishments of California Chrome from a year ago, huh? Second in the Dubai World Cup, he was then taken from the popular trainer that had developed him and sent to Newmarket to prepare for … well, you know the strange and unflattering story that ended with Chrome’s return to the States amidst disharmony and social media outrage, etc., and news that he’d suffered a bone bruise and was done. Enter Taylor Made Farm, which bought out one of the bickering partners, Steve Coburn — a minority shareholder with a Trumpesque voice that was prone to braggadocio and was the ownership face of the horse until majority owner Perry Martin decided to call the shots, including the failed attempt to race in Europe — to ostensibly stand the horse at stud. But after vet reports indicated the Derby and Preakness winner by Lucky Pulpit would be okay to race again after some rest and relaxation on the farm, a new chapter began. DAP Stable (Dumb Ass Partners, the nom de course of Martin and Coburn) became California Chrome LLC under the planning of Taylor Made, and the DWC was once again the target with the horse back in the capable hands of Art Sherman and his assistant and son, Alan.
