LOUISVILLE, KY (Thursday, May 8, 2014) – Steve Coburn and Perry Martin’s Kentucky Derby (Grade I) hero California Chrome galloped 1 ½ miles with Willie Delgado aboard shortly before 7 o’clock Thursday morning at Churchill Downs.

California Chrome stood in the gap leading to the track for about five minutes and did not move a muscle as photographers recorded the scene and horses went to and from the track. After the exercise, California Chrome walked quietly back to Barn 20.

“His temperament is excellent,” said Alan Sherman, assistant to his father Art Sherman. “He got a little fired up on the walkover (before the Derby) but he settled down once he got in the paddock.”

California Chrome is expected to ship to Maryland for the 139th running of the Preakness Stakes (GI) at the earliest on Monday whenever a charter flight is ready. For Delgado, it is a trip back home; for Alan Sherman, it’s a first.

“Never been there,” Alan Sherman said. “I think my dad rode at Bowie. I am 45, and that was long before I was around.”