Los Alamitos created the Winter Challenge specifically to provide their star resident for a lead into the Pegasus World Cup[ at Gulfstream in Florida on January 28 and offered appearance money to assemble a worthy field for the champion.

However none were in the same league as the 2014 Horse of the Year with California Chrome romping home in a track-record performance.

Drawn widest in post 10, California Chrome was four wide rounding the first turn but was still well within himself as he swept past the leaders to take control on the backstretch.

California Chrome was still five wide turning for home and simply cantered home under a motionless Victor Espinoza to win by 12 lengths in a new track-record time for 1 1/16 miles of 1:40.03.

“I was pretty nervous before the race,” winning trainer Art Sherman said.

“You know your horse is better than the others but it is a horse race and anything can happen.

“I told Victor keep him in the clear and don’t get him in any trouble and he rode him like he was the best horse. It was just perfect.

“Now I can relax and get ready for the Pegasus.

“I want Arrogate ad. I have something in my heart that says Chrome can beat him.”

“I know with his record he will be Older Horse of the Year, but I’m rooting for him to be Horse of the Year. That would be a great way for him to go out.’’

California Chrome will begin his stud career at Taylor Made in Kentucky after the Pegasus World Cup.