1 of 9 | Cloud Computing, ridden by Javier Castellano, reacts after winning the 142nd Preakness Stakes horse race at Pimlico race course in Baltimore, Maryland, on May 20, 2017. Photo by Jason Szenes/UPI |
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BALTIMORE -- Cloud Computing, a long shot ridden masterfully by Javier Castellano, chased down Classic Empire in the stretch to win the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, ending Always Dreaming's quest to claim the coveted Triple Crown.
With Classic Empire and Kentucky Derby champion Always Dreaming battling for the lead the entire race, Cloud Computing came storming down the stretch to overtake the leaders. Race favorite Always Dreaming faded badly and finished eighth in the 10-horse race.
Cloud Computing, who finished third in the Grade II Wood Memorial, caught Classic Empire at the wire by a head. Senior Investment, a 30-1 long shot, finished third, 4 3/4 lengths behind Classic Empire.
Trained by Chad Brown, Cloud Computing won for the second time in just five career starts. The dark brown colt was unraced as a 2-year-old and skipped the Kentucky Derby two weeks ago.
The winning time for the mile and 3/16ths race on a fast track on dirt was 1:55.98, well off the Preakness record of 1:53 set in 1973 by eventual Triple Crown champion Secretariat.
Cloud Computing returned $28.80, $8.60 and $6. Classic Empire paid $4.40 and $4 and Senior Investment $10.20.
The final race in the Triple Crown series, the 1 1/2-mile Belmont Stakes, will be held June 10 in New York.
Always Dreaming trainer Todd Pletcher, despite winning seven Eclipse Awards, remains winless in the Preakness with his nine starters dating to 2000.
NOTES: Lookin At Lee, who finished second in the Kentucky Derby as a 33-1 long shot, finished fourth. ... D. Wayne Lukas, the 81-year-old Hall of Fame trainer, did not have a horse in the race for the second straight year, the first time that has happened since he began bringing his horses to the Preakness in 1980. ... Conquest Mo Money, who finished seventh, was acquired for just $8,500 at the Conquest Stables' dispersal sale in November and had three wins, two seconds and $508,000 in earnings in five career starts before the Preakness.
