California Chrome And Other Stars Targeting 2016 Return to Action

Category :: News

Though the major events of the 2015 racing season are in the rear view mirror, there are plenty of exciting things to look forward to in the coming year. With several top horses returning for another season and others coming back from lay-ups, horse racing could be in for another thrilling year.

California Chrome may have taken a backseat to the American Pharoah phenomenon, but the big, chestnut colt has been slowly preparing for his return to the races after being sidelined while in England training to compete at Royal Ascot. A proven force on both turf and dirt, his connections have proven they are not afraid to be ambitious with their goals. He is currently training at Los Alamitos under the care of Art Sherman and is targeting the San Pasqual (G2) at Santa Anita in January.

Shared Belief back in light training after injury

Another prominent horse who will be returning off of an injury is Shared Belief, a former Eclipse Award winning juvenile. He has had only two losses in his impressive twelve race career – one in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) in 2014 and one in the Charles Town Classic (G2) in which he suffered a significant hip injury which knocked him out for the year. He has returned to light training for trainer Jerry Holledorfer if he returns in full force he will be a tough competitor on the West Coast.

Stars from 2015 returning to the track next year

There are also several familiar faces who will remain in training after successful seasons in 2015. Champion mare Beholder, though she missed the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) with a minor illness, is anticipated to be back in action as a six-year-old with her sights set on a match with the males in the 2016 Classic. In addition, multiple Grade 1 winner Tonalist has been sent to the farm in Florida by trainer Christophe Clement to rest in preparation for his five-year-old campaign.