California Chrome left his onlookers amazed following a six furlong breeze in 1:10.04 under Victor Espinoza at Santa Anita just before Saturday’s first race.

“I thought if he went in 1:11 and change or 1:12, I’d be happy,” trainer Art Sherman said from the Santa Anita grandstand after watching the 5-year-old run quarter-mile fractions of :23.65 and :46.66 for a half, with a gallop out to seven furlongs in 1:22 4/5. “I’m happy.”

The time was the fastest six-furlong work since Santa Anita re-opened for training in September.

“This is the best I’ve seen him since I’ve had him,” Sherman said. “He looks ready to me.”

California Chrome is scheduled to make his first start of 2016 in the San Pasqual S. (G2) on Jan. 9, his first since Taylor Made acquired part interest in the 2014 Horse of the Year.