Tuesday 24 March 2015 09:05, UK
Dubai World Cup favourite California Chrome delighted his connections in a 5am spin on the dirt track at Meydan on Tuesday.
Working under the floodlights, the chestnut cast a spectacular sight in front of camera crews and reporters who gathered for the exercise.
The 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner blew out over a circuit of the track, easily recognisable in the distinctive purple blinkers applied by Art Sherman.
The veteran trainer went straight to Meydan after his arrival from America and told a large media contingent: "It was enlightening to get off the plane and find so many people asking me 'when is California Chrome going to run?'.
"I think it's important that he's here. The Dubai World Cup is worth ten million dollars, which has a nice ring to it."
California Chrome will bid to follow in the hoof prints of nine previous American-trained World Cup winners that include such legends as Cigar and Silver Charm.
Sherman said: "My son Alan's been out with him every morning and said he came off the track bouncing this morning. He seems to be handling the surface well and this is an opportunity to run his race and put on a big show.
"We have to do everything we can to make sure racing survives."
Much has been said about the dirt surface that has replaced the Tapeta which was initially installed when Meydan opened in 2010.
Sherman added: "I'm not sure we wanted the deadly old Tapeta. California Chrome likes to hear his feet rattle - he wants the going firm.
"Saturday is not a gimme. We've got some good ones in the States but I believe Shared Belief is the other one and he's not here."
