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Dubai World Cup sponsored by Emirates Airlines at Meydan.

ARCADIA, CA - NOVEMBER 01:  Jockey Martin Garcia atop Bayern (R) celebrates ahead of jockey Victor Espinoza atop California Chrome, and jockey Jamie Spence
Image: California Chrome's work rider was a 'no-show'

Preparations for California Chrome, the hot favourite in Saturday's 10million Dubai World Cup, took an unexpected turn this morning when his regular work rider Willie Delgado failed to show up for the horse's last gallop.

Normally the first on the track at 5am, it was obvious something was amiss when there was no sign of California Chrome at Meydan some 15 minutes later. Finally, the gallant chestnut appeared, but there was no Delgado.

Trainer Art Sherman confirmed Delgado was "a no-show" and followed that by simply saying "disappointing".

Tony Gutierrez - regular rider on fellow Californian challenger Distinctiv Passion, who runs in the Al Quoz Sprint - was on hand to take over and put the finishing touches on America's Horse of the Year. He took the colt to the parade ring first of all, before galloping him on the main track, going slowly initially before picking up impressively.

It was a taking display and he looked set to explode before Guiterrez applied the brakes in the knowledge that top effort was not required until Saturday night.

It was a perfect pipe-opener and leaves him spot on for the World Cup, despite the initial hiccup.

After Sherman expressed his satisfaction - "everything went good" - Alan Sherman, assistant to his father, also sounded happy.

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The latter said: "He schooled great, and didn't turn a hair. Now it's time for him to strut his stuff and get it done. He's a really good traveller, he's never missed an oat, in fact he's a better traveller than I am. He loves to battle and run in his races. He has answered every question and he's just a dream."

Another American challenger, Lea, is second choice in the World Cup market and also when it comes to early mornings - he is not such an early riser, strolling out to the track some 90 minutes after California Chrome.

However, he took the eye when working impressively over three furlongs, suggesting he will be a lot closer to California Chrome when it matters.

His trainer Bill Mott saddled the very first winner of the World Cup in Cigar, and it would be fitting if he managed to win the 20th running of the race with Lea.

Mott is understated when it comes to pre-race hype, so his post-workout comments were all the more significant.

He said: "He looked good to me - I was very pleased - but what's more important is what his rider says. He was grinning from ear to ear so that's a pretty good sign!"

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