California Chrome wins Preakness Stakes

“It’s quite a thrill,” Sherman said. “I knew we had to run harder this race.”

California Chrome bounced out of the gate running, with jockey Victor Espinoza moving the colt into the clear. Pablo Del Monte, a 34-1 shot, charged to the lead and was soon joined by filly Ria Antonia.

Espinoza tucked California Chrome into third, an ideal spot behind the leaders. They stayed there until making their move approaching the final turn.

California Chrome made a move for the lead, catching Pablo Del Monte while Social Inclusion joined the chase. Pablo Del Monte soon dropped back along the rail, and California Chrome sprinted away from Social Inclusion at the top of the stretch.

But there was one more challenge to come.

Ride On Curlin, next-to-last in the 10-horse field, ranged up and briefly appeared ready to overtake California Chrome. Once again showing his class, California Chrome denied the threat.

“It’s an awesome feeling,” Espinoza said. “Today it was just a crazy race. I got more tired mentally than physically. I see another horse go to the front. I was going to sit second. .. I sit back, as soon as the other horse got clear of me, it worked out perfect.”

California Chrome paid $3, $3 and $2.40. Ride On Curlin returned $5.60 and $3.80, while Social Inclusion was another 6 1/2 lengths back in third and paid $3.40 as the 5-1 second choice.

General a Rod was fourth, followed by Ring Weekend, Pablo Del Monte, Dynamic Impact, Kid Cruz, Bayern and Ria Antonia.

California Chrome became the first California-bred to win the Preakness since Snow Chief in 1986.

Triple Crown Near-Misses

Horses that have won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, but failed to win the Belmont Stakes, with distance behind Belmont winner:

2012 — I’ll Have Another (scratched).

2008 — Big Brown (9th, eased, Da’ Tara).

2004 — Smarty Jones (2nd, 1, Birdstone).

2003 — Funny Cide (3rd, 5, Empire Maker).

2002 — War Emblem (8th, 19 1/2 , Sarava).

1999 — Charismatic (3rd, 1 1/2 , Lemon Drop Kid).

1998 — Real Quiet (2nd, nose, Victory Gallop).

1997 — Silver Charm (2nd, 3/4 , Touch Gold).

1989 — Sunday Silence (2nd, 8, Easy Goer).

1987 — Alysheba (4th, 14 1/4 , Bet Twice).

1981 — Pleasant Colony (3rd, 1 1/2 , Summing).

1979 — Spectacular Bid (3rd, 3 1/4 , Coastal).

1971 — Canonero II (4th, 4 1/4 , Pass Catcher).

1969 — Majestic Prince (2nd, 5 1/2 , Arts And Letters).

1968 — Forward Pass (2nd, 1 1/2 , Stage Door Johnny).

1966 — Kauai King (4th, 7 1/2 , Amberoid).

1964 — Northern Dancer (3rd, 6, Quadrangle).

1961 — Carry Back (7th, 14 3/4 , Sherluck).

1958 — Tim Tam (2nd, 6, Cavan).

1944 — Pensive (2nd, 1/2 , Bounding Home).

1936 — Bold Venture (scratched).

1932 — Burgoo King (scratched).