LOS ALAMITOS, CA—APRIL 19, 2014—Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) winner California Chrome, early favorite for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) took another step forward when he cruised four furlongs at his Los Alamitos headquarters in :47 4/5 on Saturday.

Regular rider Victor Espinoza rode the California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit in his first drill since his 5 ¼ length win in the Santa Anita Derby on April 5. Saturday's work was the eighth fastest of 29 at the distance at Los Alamitos and came shortly after the renovation break.

"Victor said he went great," trainer Art Sherman said after the 8 a.m. drill.

Following a traffic incident during a recent gallop caused by other horses on the oval, Los Alamitos officials made sure California Chrome had the track to himself Saturday.

"The track was immaculate," Sherman said. "He'll have his final workout next Saturday (April 26) and ship early Monday morning (April 28) for Kentucky. There were some 30 people here today to see him work. He galloped out (five furlongs) in 1:01. Everything went great."

California Chrome will head into Churchill Downs with six wins in 10 starts and earnings of $1,134,850. He races ofr owners Steve Coburn and Perry Martin.