Perry Martin and Taylor Made Farm’s California Chrome will make his much-anticipated first start of 2016 in Saturday’s $200,000 San Pasqual S. (G2) at Santa Anita Park.

Off since running a game second in last year’s Dubai World Cup (G1), the 2014 Horse of the Year and 3-year-old Champion colt of that season is making his first start since Taylor Made acquired part interest in the now 5-year-old.

Santa Anita has been inundated with rain over the past few days, and California Chrome has never run over an off track, but trainer Art Sherman isn’t concerned about the surface.

“We got a good draw (post four in the field of eight) and I don’t think the track will be a problem,” said Sherman, “So far, everything is good.”

With the new partnership, regular rider Victor Espinoza will be sporting new silks as well.

Martin said recently that plans call for California Chrome to return to Dubai for another shot at the World Cup in late March, and ultimately the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) before he is retired to stud at Taylor Made.

But for now, Saturday’s 1 1/16-mile San Pasqual is the focus as California Chrome faces seven foes, including Hoppertunity, who won this race last year, and last year’s Gold Cup (G1) winner Hard Aces.

The San Pasqual is the ninth race on Saturday’s card, with a scheduled post time of 7 p.m. ET.