California Chrome: Pennsylvania Derby

[GenuineRisk]

I don't see it as a weird choice- the horse is a dual classic winner, and short of winning the Breeders' Cup Classic, I don't see how his value as a stud is going to change much one way or another, regardless of what happens here on out. So why not run him in what they hope will be a soft spot, where they're guaranteed a pretty generous check for both them and their trainer?

As for turning down the 51% sale of him, one of the requirements was a change of trainer, and regardless of how thoroughly media unsavvy they are, they've been quite loyal to Sherman. In a business where talented horses get bought up the second they show ability and handed off to big trainers that already have dozens of good horses, I can't dislike owners that stay with the trainer who took them on to begin with.

[OldDog]

Originally Posted by Patrick333

It wouldn't break my heart if won both of them. He's a gutty horse.

Agreed.

Originally Posted by GenuineRisk

I don't see it as a weird choice- the horse is a dual classic winner, and short of winning the Breeders' Cup Classic, I don't see how his value as a stud is going to change much one way or another, regardless of what happens here on out. So why not run him in what they hope will be a soft spot, where they're guaranteed a pretty generous check for both them and their trainer?

As for turning down the 51% sale of him, one of the requirements was a change of trainer, and regardless of how thoroughly media unsavvy they are, they've been quite loyal to Sherman. In a business where talented horses get bought up the second they show ability and handed off to big trainers that already have dozens of good horses, I can't dislike owners that stay with the trainer who took them on to begin with.

And agreed. Well, at least I can't dislike them for that.

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by GenuineRisk

I don't see it as a weird choice- the horse is a dual classic winner, and short of winning the Breeders' Cup Classic, I don't see how his value as a stud is going to change much one way or another, regardless of what happens here on out. So why not run him in what they hope will be a soft spot, where they're guaranteed a pretty generous check for both them and their trainer?

As for turning down the 51% sale of him, one of the requirements was a change of trainer, and regardless of how thoroughly media unsavvy they are, they've been quite loyal to Sherman. In a business where talented horses get bought up the second they show ability and handed off to big trainers that already have dozens of good horses, I can't dislike owners that stay with the trainer who took them on to begin with.

it's not a weird choice at all. it was a smart move in every respect.

[ajphilly]

Chrome might not be the only horse coming in from the West.

http://www.courier-journal.com/story...erby/14636225/

[GenuineRisk]

Originally Posted by ajphilly

Chrome might not be the only horse coming in from the West.

http://www.courier-journal.com/story...erby/14636225/

Very interesting! Good on the West Coasters for traveling. It'll make for a fun day in PA if it happens.

[OldDog]

Originally Posted by ajphilly

Chrome might not be the only horse coming in from the West.

http://www.courier-journal.com/story...erby/14636225/

Holy crap, that would be tremendous.

[SundayStar]

Originally Posted by ajphilly

Chrome might not be the only horse coming in from the West.

http://www.courier-journal.com/story...erby/14636225/

that would be great

[ateamstupid]

No dice. Hollendorfer says Shared Belief staying home for the Awesome Again.

[TouchOfGrey]

I was under the impression California Chrome was eligible for a bonus only if he won the PA Derby because he won the KY Derby and Preakness. But according to what I've read below, his connections get an "appearance fee" just for showing up. Is this really how it works?

Courier-Journal: Bayern to challenge Chrome in Pa. Derby

Appearance fees associated with the race, as well as a $1 million purse, made it worth shipping the dual-classic winner one more time before the Breeders’ Cup.

ESPN: Formidable or vulnerable in Penn Derby?

Appearance fees of $100,000 for owners Steve Coburn and Perry Martin as well as Sherman no doubt also played a role in opting to run in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, instead of their home state of California.

Philly.com: California Chrome is headliner in Pa. Derby

Chrome trainer Art Sherman will receive a $100,000 bonus for showing up because his colt won the Derby and the Preakness . Owners Steve Coburn and Perry Martin - the self-named "Dumbass Partners" - also will share a $100,000 bonus.

[GenuineRisk]

Originally Posted by TouchOfGrey

I was under the impression California Chrome was eligible for a bonus only if he won the PA Derby because he won the KY Derby and Preakness. But according to what I've read below, his connections get an "appearance fee" just for showing up. Is this really how it works

Yes, as soon as he leaves the starting gate, the owners and the trainer get $100,000 apiece. It's an incentive to lure the big horses. I like that the trainer gets the same fee as the owners.