Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome has been examined and is being treated for what his connections say is a minor throat irritation.
It is not expected to affect his status for Saturday's 139th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course.
"He's fine. He had it going into the Derby and it went away. After he ran in there, it came back a little bit, but it's not a big deal at all," said Alan Sherman, assistant to his father Art Sherman, the colt's trainer.
The chestnut colt, owned by Steven Coburn and Perry Martin, was examined Thursday morning after he coughed, at which time a small throat blister was discovered. The 3-year-old is being treated with a glycerin throat wash.
"I don't know how they get them, but a lot of horses get them," Alan Sherman said.
"The horse is completely fine," Sherman continued. "His blood work came back perfect. He coughed about four times today and we got him checked out right away. The blister isn't going to affect him at all; the vet said there were absolutely no other problems, nothing else going on."
California Chrome is the 3-5 morning line favorite for the middle jewel of racing's Triple Crown. He drew post 3 in the 10-horse field and again will have Victor Espinoza in the saddle.
[SportsNetwork.com]
