California Chrome Returns in Grade 2 San Pasqual

California Chrome, heavily favored on the morning line at odds of 4/5, has not raced since a second-place finish in the Dubai World Cup March 28. The Art Sherman trainee travelled to Europe in the aftermath of the World Cup, then Chicago, but missed expected starts at Royal Ascot and Arlington Park before rejoining Sherman at his Los Alamitos base. The four-time grade 1 winner has trained forwardly for his return as he looks for his tenth win in career start number 19. Regular pilot Victor Espinoza will be in the irons, breaking from post 4. California Chrome has earned in excess of $6 million in his illustrious career.

Hoppertunity knocking at the door

Hoppertunity (5/2) won the San Pasqual last year, but has dropped his last eight starts – all in graded stakes competition - while never running worse than fourth. The five year-old Bob Baffert trainee has finished second in each of his last three starts including a pair of grade 1 races and a grade 2.

Imperative likely for a slice

Imperative (6/1) will break from the outside post after finishing second in the Grade 3 Native Diver November 28 at Del Mar in his last start. The Richard Baltas trainee has just 3 wins in 27 career starts, but figures underneath in the exotics.