The fairytale continues and the Triple Crown dream is still alive after California Chrome (Art Sherman/Victor Espinoza) added a comfortable victory in the Preakness Stakes to his Kentucky Derby laurels.
Sent off 1-2 favourite for the 139th running of the $1.5 million event, the hugely popular rags-to-riches colt fought off Social Inclusion before easily holding the late rally of Ride On Curlin in a solid performance.
Next up comes the Belmont Stakes on Derby Day, June 7, when California Chrome's stamina will be tested over 1m4f on the widest oval in the States as he bids to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978. Ladbrokes offer 2-1 he completes the elusive sweep.
"It's quite a thrill," said Sherman, 77. "I knew we had to run harder to win this race but I'll tell you one thing, he's a real racehorse. I'm just hoping a mile and a half will be up his alley, too. It's a dream for any trainer to do this."
After recording a slow time at Churchill Downs, California Chrome stopped the clock in a respectable 1m54.84s over the slightly shorter trip at Pimlico, where he extended his winning streak to six for owner-breeders Steve Coburn and Perry Martin.
Apart from having to muscle second favourite Social Inclusion out of the way soon after the break, California Chrome had another near-perfect trip, belying worries of a pre-race scare when a minot throat issue was discovered on Thursday morning.
Breaking well under Victor Espinoza, the favourite stalked the pace sitting behind outsiders Pablo Del Monte and Ria Antonia before taking control on the far turn, where Social Inclusion - who couldn't lead after acting up in the stalls - moved up to challenge.
Social Inclusion was a spent force in the stretch, however, where California Chrome was driven away.
The 10-1 shot Ride On Curlin, delivered from the rear by Joel Rosario, emerged from the rear as a potential danger but the Kentucky victor had more than enough in the tank to keep him at bay as he scored by a length and a half, with Social Inclusion just holding General A Rod for third more than six lengths back.
"It's an awesome feeling to have a horse like California Chrome," said Espinoza who won the first two legs of the 2002 Triple Crown on War Emblem before losing out at the Belmont. "It was a crazy race. I got more tired mentally than physically. It worked out well, and he's an amazing horse. I saw a horse got to the front, and I said, 'I'll sit behind him'.
"Then I saw another one come, and I had to use my breaks. But as soon as the other horse got clear of me, it worked out perfectly."
Now all eyes will be firmly focussed on the Belmont Stakes, where so many have tried and failed to complete the Triple Crown in the last 36 years.
Among those lying in wait for California Chrome in New York as he bids to become the 12th Triple Crown winner will be Commanding Curve, Danza, Wicked Strong and Samraat - second, third, fourth and fifth at Churchill Downs - plus the Peter Pan Stakes one-two Tonalist and Commissioner.
Godolphin's stunning allowance winner Bay Of Plenty has also been mentioned as a possible in what promises to be an epic.
