The Bob Baffert-trained colt Bayern left Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner California Chrome labouring when he turned Saturday’s $1 million Pennsylvania Derby into a record-breaking procession.

California Chrome could finish only sixth in his first race since the a fourth in the Belmont Stakes on June 7 as Bayern careered to 5.75 lengths win for his second successive G1 victory.

Ridden by Martin Garcia, Bayern ran the 1 1/8 miles at Parx Racing in Philadelphia in track record time of 1:46.96.

West Virginia Derby winner Tapiture and runer-up Candy Boy filed the minor placings.

California Chrome, the 5-2 favorite, drew the unfavorable rails post position and got trapped on the fence after he was taken back to race in third in tight quarters going into the first turn.

After riding the rail and stalking the pace, California Chrome failed to respond for jockey Victor Espinoza and was eased in the closing stages.

Ttrainer Art Sherman said California Chrome would return to California and continue training for a possible start in the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic on November 1 at Santa Anita.

Bayern's victory was similar to his previous start when he raced away with the G1 Haskell Invitational in July at Monmouth Park.

Baffert, who watched the race at home in California, was elated.

"That was just a powerful performance," he said. "When Bayern runs like that, nobody's going to beat him."

The victory increased Bayern's career earnings to $1,639,680 in nine starts.