Dortmund made California Chrome work for it, but North America’s richest thoroughbred prevailed by a half-length in the Grade 2, $200,000 San Diego Handicap on Saturday at Del Mar.
California Chrome hadn’t raced since winning the $10 million Dubai World Cup on March 26, and Dortmund hadn’t raced since winning the Native Diver Stakes on Nov. 28.
Dortmund led by as much as 1 length on the backstretch, but California Chrome overtook him on the final turn and appeared ready to go on to a decisive victory.
“California Chrome knows where the wire is, and it was a really exciting race for me down the stretch,” Espinoza said.
Favored Toomuchisnotenough, claimed for $25,000 by trainer Jack Steiner on Feb. 21, outfinished Coniah by 1 length to win the $63,075 California Governor’s Cup Handicap for fillies and mares at the State Fair in Sacramento.
Golden Gate Fields-based Alert Bay is the 2-to-1 morning-line favorite for the $150,000 California Dreamin’ Stakes for California-breds on Sunday at Del Mar.
