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Derby champ California Chrome faces lighter load

By WTOP Staff

GARY B. GRAVES
AP Sports Writer

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Before his workload and the scrutiny become heavier next week, California Chrome will enjoy a few light days.

The Kentucky Derby champion looked fresh following his 1¾-length victory at Churchill Downs on Saturday and seemed to be handling the ensuing fame quite well. After a Sunday morning walk and bath, the chestnut colt stood tall and proud like a runway model, making sure photographers got plenty of pictures.

With attention likely to increase as California Chrome heads to Pimlico for the Preakness on May 17, trainer Art Sherman wants his horse as relaxed as possible before returning to work. The horse will rest this week at Churchill Downs before flying to Baltimore next Monday to prepare for the Triple Crown’s next jewel.

For the 77-year-old Sherman it means adjusting his training routine from several weeks between starts to just a few with the Preakness followed by the Belmont Stakes on June 7. Which is why California Chrome will remain at racing’s most famous track instead of flying back home or arriving early to prepare for the 1 3/16-mile race at Pimlico.

“Rather than shift to different tracks, he likes it here, he likes his surroundings,” said Sherman, who became the oldest trainer to win the Derby. “Let him freshen up for a few days and we’ll get over there probably four or five days before just to school him like I always do.”

Sherman’s strategy certainly worked for California Chrome in the Derby, where the 5-2 favorite became the first California-bred champion since Decidedly in 1962.

Jockey Victor Espinoza’s decision to lay off early in a slower-than-expected race also paid off, allowing California Chrome to save his best for the stretch in the 19-horse field. He went on to his fifth straight win and seventh in 11 starts. Commanding Curve was second and Danza third.

Despite the huge spotlight and expectations, California Chrome fulfilled them in racing’s marquee event by remaining unfazed. He was just as laid back Sunday morning while soaking up attention from media and visitors.

“He’s pretty good that way, just takes everything in stride,” said Alan Sherman, who co-trains the horse with his father. “He got a little worked up Saturday on his way over to the paddock, but once he got in he was fine. He just loves to train and loves to run, that horse.”

Stride is the operative word for California Chrome this week. Alan Sherman said the horse will walk for a few days before jogging and then traveling.

While Alan Sherman handles those duties, his dad will be back in Southern California tending to his other horses. Sherman figures to get a hero’s reception and he welcomes the break after getting little sleep following his biggest victory, a whirlwind that included several rounds of interviews.

California Chrome’s low maintenance has allowed Sherman the luxury of getting away.

“I don’t really have to do too much with him, just keep him happy, keep him fresh,” Sherman said. “He’s coming back in two weeks, and I’ve never run horses back in two weeks as a rule. I’m more seven weeks, six weeks…

“I’ll let the horse tell me. I’m not going to be no fancy-works, no fancy-this, just keep him fresh.”

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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