Chrome just one win away from Triple Crown California Chrome is in with a shot at Triple Crown glory after landing the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico on Saturday night. The Art Sherman-trained colt claimed the Kentucky Derby at the start of the month and supplemented that with victory in the nine-and-a-furlong contest just two weeks later. Victor Espinoza settled the colt just off the early pace but had to make an early move for home as Social Inclusion tried to kick on at the far turn, though California Chrome dealt with that challenge, but then had to repel the late thrust of Ride One Curlin, eventually winning by a length and a half with Social Inclusion a further six and a half lengths back in third. The Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park on June 7th is now the intended target and if California Chrome can triumph in that 12-furlong test, he will become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978. Sherman told www.drf.com: "I'm never crazy about running back in two weeks, now there's three weeks (to the Belmont Stakes). It'll be quite a challenge. You've got to have a very good horse. I'm hoping I have one. "We're running on a high right now, but when we get to Belmont, I think he'll run big - I really do. "I knew he'd have to run harder in this race. Coming back in two weeks was a little bit of a concern. He's a real racehorse. I'm hoping the mile and a half is up his alley."
