California Chrome exercises on the track at Parx Racing in preparation for the Pennsylvania Derby (Photo by Eclipse Sportswire)

BENSALEM, Pa.— Tom Pedulla of America’s Best Racing asks – and answers – questions revolving around California Chrome’s comeback in the $1-million Pennsylvania Derby Saturday at Parx Racing:

Q: How ready is California Chrome for his return?

A:  The Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner has drilled steadily since he was given five weeks away from the racetrack following his Triple Crown bid. Trainer Art Sherman said the colt put on approximately 75 pounds during his well-deserved vacation. He shows two bullet workouts, the most recent of which came on Sept. 6 between races at Los Alamitos, when he responded to the charged atmosphere by blazing six furlongs in 1:10.80. But even Sherman admits the colt’s readiness is a concern.

Q:  How will Chrome’s position at the rail impact him?

A: It cannot help. He will be breaking from there for the first time this season. He was slow to load into the starting gate when he was schooled in the gate on Friday morning. He has a habit of rocking – rolling his head – when he enters the stall. If he breaks a step or two slowly, it would not be surprising to see Chrome and jockey Victor Espinoza pinned inside.

Q:  In sweeping five of six starts this year, including the first two legs of the Triple Crown, has Chrome already done enough to secure top 3-year-old honors?

A: No, not at all. Although undefeated Shared Belief missed the Triple Crown races, he took down a big prize when he whipped older horses in the Pacific Classic Stakes at Del Mar. It appears virtually certain that the leading 3-year-old – and very possibly the Horse of the Year – will be determined in the $5-million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita Park on Nov. 1. It doesn’t get any better than that.

SHARED BELIEF ROLLED IN THE PACIFIC CLASSIC

Photo by Eclipse Sportswire

Q: How much of a threat does Bayern represent?

A:  The Bob Baffert trainee showed how brave he can get when he is permitted an uncontested lead when he rolled wire to wire in the $1-million Haskell Invitational Stakes and demolished his competition by 7 ¼ lengths. It is highly unlikely that he and heady jockey Martin Garcia will be allowed that luxury again. If long shot C J's Awesome and Edgar Prado do not push him early, then Victor Espinoza, albeit reluctantly, most likely will bring some heat with Chrome.

Q:  If not Bayern, who looms as the top threat to Chrome?

A:  Tapiture rebounded strongly from his dismal 15th-place finish in the Kentucky Derby to take the Grade 3 Matt Winn Stakes by two lengths at Churchill Downs and then prevailed by a nose in the West Virginia Derby despite being steadied by Rosie Napravnik, who has the mount today. He shows every sign of being an improving horse sitting on a big one.

TAPITURE HOLDS OFF CANDY BOY IN WEST VIRGINIA DERBY

Coady Photography

Q: How about a live longshot who can get a piece of the purse?

A: Protonico is intriguing. This will be the fourth race for the Giant’s Causeway colt since he was transferred to the always-dangerous barn of Todd Pletcher. He shows two bullet workouts at Saratoga. He has Javier Castellano aboard, and it does not get better than that. Most of all, he raced and won at Parx, overcoming a difficult trip to win by a half-length in the Grade 3 Smarty Jones Stakes on Sept. 1.

Q: Who will win?

A: Although it may not be easy, the choice is California Chrome. No horse in this field has accomplished what he has — or come close. He may not be as primed as Sherman would like to have him. He may not love the rail. But he owns victories at five different tracks, and the Derby and Preakness will forever be part of his resume. Very simply, class will prevail. 

$1-million Pennsylvania Derby
Saturday, Parx Racing, Race 12, Post Time 5:40 p.m. ET
1 1/8 miles, dirt, 3-year-olds