BALTIMORE, (Reuters) – California Chrome used a dazzling stretch run to easily win the $1.5 million Preakness Stakes yesterday and remain in the hunt to claim the elusive Tripe Crown.
The Kentucky Derby champion, ridden by Victor Espinoza, settled in nicely in third place before making his move on the far turn and grabbing the lead at the top of the stretch.
Finishing second, 1 1/2 lengths behind California Chrome, was Ride On Curlin, while the third-place spot went to Social Inclusion.
“Today it was just a crazy race,” an emotional Espinoza told NBC television. “I got more tired mentally than physically. He’s just an amazing horse.”
