BALTIMORE, Md. (May 17, 2014) — California Chrome is one jewel away from becoming the first California-bred to win racing’s Triple Crown after capturing Saturday’s $1.5 million Grade I Preakness Stakes at Pimlico.
As an encore to his Kentucky Derby win two weeks ago, California Chrome broke alertly, was eased outside and into the clear by jockey Victor Espinoza going into the first turn, moved toward the leaders going into the far turn, rejected a bid by Social Inclusion, pulled away into the stretch and held off late-closing Ride On Curlin for a comfortable 1 1/4 length win in 1:54.84 for the 1 3/16 miles.
“This was a crazy race,” said Espinoza. “It was a little complicated early in the race. I got more tired mentally than physically. I had to use my brains too much, but it worked out perfectly. The outside horse (Social Inclusion) moved too early and there was still a long ways to go and I got a little worried.”
The 1-2 favorite, California Chrome is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Not For Love mare Love the Chase, was bred by owners Steven Coburn and Perry Martin and is trained by Art Sherman.
“Wow, I’ll tell you, it’s quite a thrill,” said Sherman. “I knew he had to run harder for me, coming back in two weeks, and I was a little concerned. I’ll tell you what, he’s a real race horse and I hope the (Belmont’s) mile and half is right up his alley. After watching him run today, I think he can go a mile and a half. When you have a speed horse that can rate, they are always dangerous.
“Victor rode him perfect. It’s a dream for any trainer to do this, believe me. I couldn’t tell how much horse he really had. Everybody was cheering and jumping up and down. But I looked up at the board and saw him pulling away, so I felt really good.”
The win was California Chrome’s sixth consecutive stakes victory and eighth overall in 12 career starts, with earnings of $3,452,650. He is the first Cal-bred to win the Preakness since Snow Chief in 1986.
The 1 1/2 mile Belmont Stakes will be run in three weeks, when California Chrome has the chance to become racing’s first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978. This is the 13th time since then that a horse has won the first two legs of the Triple Crown.
For California Chrome’s pedigree, click http://www.pedigreequery.com/california+chrome.