California Chrome Returns to Action in $200,000 San Pasqual Stakes

California Chrome will make his much-anticipated return to the races and has been tabbed as the morning line favorite at odds of 4-5 for trainer Art Sherman. On the shelf since a runner-up effort in the Dubai World Cup (G1) last March, the world-travelling son of Lucky Pulpit clocked a recent bullet workout at Santa Anita in preparation for his comeback effort. Regular rider Victor Espinoza will be in the irons and they will break from post position four.

Hoppertunity trying to break out of bridesmaid role

Second choice at morning line odds of 5-2 is Hoppertunity for trainer Bob Baffert. A five-year-old son of Any Given Saturday, he has been on the board in twelve of his sixteen starts and has four career victories. He was last seen finishing second in the Clark Handicap (G1) at Churchill Downs and comes into this race off three consecutive runner-up efforts. Martin Garcia will be aboard and they will break from post position five.

Hard Aces needs to make a big step forward

Also in the field at morning line odds of 8-1 is Hard Aces for trainer John Sadler. A six-year-old son of Hard Spun, he is a six-time career winner and will be trying to earn his second graded stakes win. He will be trying to rebound after three straight off-the-board finishes, most recently in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) where he finished sixth.  Joe Talamo will be aboard and they are scheduled to break from post position six.